Blackduck59

So we have a visitor at the port. Carnival Panorama is here. I saw a Carnival cruise ship at the port on Tuesday Night while I was killing time atop Mt. Tolmie, waiting for a Doctor appointment. I thought "that's strange". It turns out she is having propulsion problems and was scheduled for work at a shipyard in Portland Oregon; there is only on problem, the funnel is too tall to fit under the bridge there. So she is here where there is no bridge, a crew from the smaller shipyard here is removing the funnel. She will then go to Portland for the propulsion work, then she will come back here to get the funnel refitted. I don't know if the work required is outside the purview of our big drydock but we don't have a bridge to worry about.

There are a few Cunard fans who drop by from time to time. I think they take a few moments to read the tone of the "different" thread and quickly move on. 🤔

It's good to have an experienced coach. I will report on how many attempts it takes before we get it right.

Thank you Mic. I haven't done the TimTam slam yet. I will try it sometime, I'm guessing the caramel ones won't work that well. Lynn is skeptical. I think the hot beverage could be Hot Chocolate with Bailey's or Amaretto. Why does it feel like you are leading me astray?

I wouldn't know what that is Mic. We opened the chewy caramel variety and we both quite liked them. We will continue to buy them as treats from time to time, especially when they're on sale.

So I walked into our local pharmacy to pick up a prescription. I went down the "cookie" aisle. Of course the Tim Tam biscuits were on sale. I have seen them posted on these threads from time to time, so I bought 2 different varieties. Well I'm not sure if that was a good purchase, I can see how they could be habit forming. For now we will keep them as a treat and hope they don't become a problem.😇

Okay, trade the Crownies in for some Pusser's Painkillers 😁

That is even a favourable rate for Canadians. I remember the last time we went to Hawaii the Canadian dollar was at about $1.05 US, that didn't last long but it was a good holiday.

Geez Lyndon, sounds like you need a soak in the hot tub and a couple of Crownies.

Is Donnington even a viable track anymore? Didn't they start some renovation and ran out of money? Silverstone is a great F1 track which maybe isn't a good Moto GP challenge, or do they have a different layout for the Bikes?

Oops, that's unfortunate.

They certainly are exciting to watch though. There was some outstanding racing going on and Brands Hatch is such an historic track.

@lyndarra I was just surfing U Tube and stumbled across the British superbikes at Brands Hatch, I don't recall what month but it was this year. It was the side car class. Those people are crazy.

Yes it was wheat flour. When we have guests we ask about their dietary needs and plan to accommodate them. There is Worcestershire sauce as well (Lee & Perrins is there any other) and also Cholula chipotle sauce.

Funny you should mention that Uncle Les. There was a wee dram of port in the mix and a bit of smoked paprika. This mixture is not gluten free but if you were here it would be.

Ground beef, onion, mixed frozen vegetables. Mashed potatoes on top. It is so simple and quick.

I made this for supper

Is that Batemans bay?

Didn't the OP say it was for "New England Residents" Last time I checked Canada is not in New England. In general isn't there an accepted definition of what the "New England" states are? So I guess if you don't live in New England you don't get the deal. I live on Vancouver Island and some of our resorts offer special "Vancouver Islander" rates; if you don't live on Vancouver Island you don't get the rate. If you live in New England, enjoy the deal. If you don't, to bad so sad, no deal for you.

@lyndarra Sloe Gin is an interesting libation that really doesn't taste like gin at all and has a much lower alcohol content. I don't normally drink gin either but Sloe Gin really isn't bad. I haven't had any in about 40 years.

Yes all the laundry bags are the same size. Many report being able to pack many items into them. We chose to get the unlimited package, under $100.00 for an 11 day cruise. We will be choosing that package for all future HAL voyages. I was well worth the price, having never had a laundry package before; we packed way more than we had to. Next cruise way less luggage, just send out laundry every day. The service is wonderful.

Navies from many nations have participated in anti-piracy operations; not just the USN. It is true that the USN presence is vital, I want to point out that they aren't the only navy supporting anti-piracy operations.

Isn't CO included in a Neptune Suite?

@Infi yes what a great idea, cake in the afternoon while scenic cruising. It feels like HAL had a good concept. Unfortunately there are always the rude few who can ruin a great event. Isn't it funny how some people are completely unable to find a drop of patience. That being said I'm sure there were those who got to the front of the line who took 5 minutes deciding what and how much of each cake to take. This would be time for a "soup ***" approach from the servers; make your choice and get out of the way.

With so many guests used to and enjoying lanyards, as well as lanyards for sale in the ship's shop; you would think the cards would be supplied with the hole. Barring that the staff in customer service (including the Neptune concierges) should know exactly where to punch that card without ruining it.