Mareblu

A perfect Christmas card, Lyle. How enchanting. Like Marion, I thank you for this image of winter beauty. Driving will indeed be challenging. The wet continues in our part of the world. More rain today, and I doubt it's much warmer here, although I exaggerate. We wore jackets to venture out today, and we've so far had the coldest December on record. That will change on Christmas Day, apparently, when 31C is forecast. Our warmest Christmas and New Year wishes, for happiness, peace, and good health to you and Lyn, to Marion, and all CC friends of this thread. Too many to continue the list.

A low profile with lots of rest is just what you need, Les. Always follow your instincts, and do exactly what makes you feel that little bit better. I can well understand you're well over all the medical attention, but I truly believe the strength we've all sensed in you will carry you through. I'm thrilled you finally have your newly issued CSHC, and just in the nick of time. We both send wishes for a really enjoyable Christmas with your family, and every healing, positive wish we can muster. Take care Les, and be gentle on yourself 🌲🍕🍍

I second that. Very grateful, and your advice is noted. Keep well and take care🙏🏻

On our way to Batehaven for the day, so thinking of you, Les. Really hope your treatment is not too arduous and you’re coping okay. Understand perfectly if you’re not up to it, and you may even be in Moruya atm, but signal on here if you want a catch-up.

Oh goodness, not sure where you’re getting your information, but as an Australian who travels regularly, I can assure you we’ve had no restrictions remotely resembling those the Chinese people have had to endure. Covid patients are only requested to isolate for 5-6 days, out of courtesy and sensible respect to those vulnerable community members. Even close contacts are free to come and go as normal. We have an extremely high vaccination rate, so most Australians are well protected. On a recent Oceania cruise, a very nice American lady told me she knew we had “camps”!!! Americans need to read more widely, and I don’t just mean the American press. No offence intended, but it wears a bit thin after a while.

For Australian and New Zealand cruises, the reference to completing the Health Declaration form in the 2-day window prior to boarding seems to have disappeared from the portal. I did find, by searching the Cunard general site, a brief note that a Health Declaration will be required to be completed at the terminal before boarding. Can anyone kindly confirm that this is now the situation? I’m really concerned that we’ll be denied boarding (again, after Covid fiasco in October) if we miss submitting the form prior to embarkation day. Thanks in anticipation 🙏🏻

Thanks so much, Lahore, for posting on this important topic. We embark on 7 January, so we’re following with keen interest. I’m hoping our 4 vax status and actually recovering from Covid (both) late September should provide adequate cover. Do you know if Covid patients are isolating in their own staterooms, or if Cunard is continuing to move pax to designated isolation areas? Which services have been impacted? So grateful for any information you are able to kindly provide. Hoping you both stay well and are able to enjoy your cruise. Linda

Woke in disbelief this morning to this terrible news. Such brave and very young officers. I still can't understand what events set this tragedy in motion, but no doubt details will emerge. What on earth turns human beings feral, with no compassion or respect for others of our species? Yes, rest in peace, shining stars, and gratitude beyond measure for your service. Thank you for your words, Les.

No Canadians then? Lyle would have watched the Ice Hockey😉 Seriously, it is huge in Canada. What I've loved about this World Cup is that a cross-section of Aussies seems to have really got behind the Socceroos, no matter which code they normally follow. That wouldn't have happened years ago.

Agree

Poor Kane. It happens, but a huge burden for him to carry when it happens in a World Cup. Probably a just result overall. Football the winner: a cracker of a game. Coffee time.

Spot on prediction with Morocco win. We’re watching now too. Two polished teams; exciting to watch. France looks a fraction sharper, what a fabulous rocket of a goal.

Good way to look at it. Hadn’t thought of that pathway to a favourite. English ancestry, so reluctantly following Three Lions. Our son’s closest friend is Dutch, and they have are all together at our coast house this weekend. Apparently this morning the anguish was palpable. Who do you pick, Mic and Rosie, for tomorrow morning’s contest?

Watched 3 solid hours of Argentina v Netherlands this morning. Riveting right to the end. Commiserations to Netherlands; penalties always a terrible way to go out, although probably Argentina looked sharper in attack. The big one for us tomorrow morning, because now we've fallen in behind the English, as our chaps bowed out gallantly the other day. Who will prevail: England or France? My soccer-playing granddaughters are cheering for France.

You're in the kitchen too. Agreed, Lyle and Julie?😊

Looks delicious😍

Julie was CD during our Sirena "Whimsical Europe" cruise in September. She was a delight: efficient, friendly, and seemed to be everywhere on the ship at any one time. If we need to choose between future Oceania cruises anytime soon, we would certainly choose the one she's on.

One step at a time. We’re all walking with you, Les.

Well, hello K & D 🙂 Just noticed your post. I agree with all your comments. Just follow your nose and Oceania's instructions. Better still, arrive in La Serenissima a few days early, and immerse yourself in its wonders. There are always transport options online or through your TA to arrive at your waiting ship. We loved catching up with you on Sirena in September, even if Covid joined us in our suite on the penultimate day, and we had to miss our planned meeting. I have to say Oceania's care was exemplary. Isolation for two days wasn't onerous, and the medical staff called by twice in each day to test vitals and immediately issued antivirals, antibiotics and decongestant (I think the CMO must have been Irish, being sure to be sure). Sadly, it meant we couldn't board QE for the much-awaited long voyage home from Barcelona, but we were issued cruise credits for the total amount, and we are using them very soon, on QE for three weeks from Sydney return, via New Zealand and Tasmania. Maybe one day we'll catch up and enjoy that coffee we were so looking forward to. Take care, Linda and Mario

Hoping all is well, Les, and you are back in Batehaven and comfortable. Sending our wishes, Linda and Mario

What a wonderful thought👏

Yes! You’re in the kitchenJulie, and your pie sounds delicious

That was such a funny episode; almost on par with George the Marine Biologist😂

Perfect😆

I took the photo just before adding a swirl of cream (sometimes creme fraiche or sour cream, too) but I also sometimes add it to the pot just before serving so it permeates the chowder). Yes, parmesan. Automatic, after years of living in the northern Italian community where parmesan is always added to soups, not just pasta and risotto. And yes, I add dill if I have it to hand, or fennel fronds. I had neither last night, but sprinkled some parsley just before eating. If I have fennel, I add a chopped bulb to the cooking prior to adding the fish in the last few moments. Your mother-in-law is a lucky lady to have such a thoughtful son-in-law. Birthday wishes to her🌺