AncientWanderer

Well, dang...late in the day and I'll have to go back to read everything.  But...late Happy Birthday @JazzyVVanessa and THANK YOU for all you do here.  Happy Anniversary to @Cruzin Terri and your DH.  And, big welcome to @Smmessineo.  This is a very nice daily thread.

I've been following @rafinmd on the Cunard thread, but had to switch to Crystal because the Cunarders are too darn chatty.  I mostly want to hear what Roy has to say!

Tomorrow I'm going to Los Angeles to babysit for DD and DSIL and then we are going to Disneyland to shake off a month or two of stressful events -- sick babies, me with weird covid legs, DGS having difficulties.  

Some problems will never go away, but mixing in joy always helps!

Have a great evening, everyone, and thanks to all who keep our Daily going strong.

8 minutes ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

Another you just can’t make the up happened tonight. I had to pick up a prescription and then we were going to go thru Arby’s drive thru for roast beef sandwiches “we don’t have any roast beef right now.”  How did that happen 😀

Wish there were a "wow" button.

Wow.

BON VOYAGE!

Bon Voyage !!!

3 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

My shot card is full, so it'll be interesting to see what they do when I get the next booster.

 

From reading this thread, it seems to be different depending on where you are.  At the big box store in Southern California, we were told they are no longer using the cards. But I noticed that the paperwork given to us has a tidy little area, scored as if to cut out, that has printed all the information -- our names, date, type of shot, all that -- and it's just about the same size as the vaccine cards, so I cut it out to keep with the cards.

We have the state registry with QR codes, but for travel, I like having the proof in hand.  Nobody seems to ask for it lately, but things certainly can change.

I wonder if they will have new recipes or different rotation after the Alaska season wraps up.  The current dishes have been offered for quite awhile now.  We enjoyed all the CO offerings, especially the veal chop, but was just thinking maybe I better not look forward to it on next cruise.  Things could be different.

Good morning and many thanks to contributors here.  The many wonderful Alaska photos bring back happy memories for many of us.  That's a trip that is easy to do for many.

Tough to read the Daily today.  @HAL Sailer Melisa, prayers are with you and your husband.  @smitty34877 Terry, you didn't need flooding to add to your difficulties.  I sure hope a new aide comes to you soon.  Such tough times you're having!

It will be a quiet day here today.  I got dressed up to go out to dinner last night and was confused when DH came in and asked what's for dinner.  I had the wrong day.  He was kind enough to take me out for delicious Thai food, since I was all dressed up with no place to go.  

Thinking of all of you today.  One day at a time, right?  Praying this one day is a good one for everybody.

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

We're about to wind things down.  Once the nurse leaves. I'm heading to the shower.  There is a sign in the door about no vitals or non urgent interruptions between 11 pm and 5 am.  A first. 

 

Visitors have to pay for room service with a voucher you get in the dining room.  It's cheaper to get food to go from the dining room.  They have me a voucher for free after over charging me and they over charge back, so I'll order breakfast with DH.

 

Lenda

That is awesome about the 11 pm  to 5 am rest period.  I wonder if other hospitals are starting to do that.  Usually they keep you awake all night!
 

I hope you both do get some rest.  Sounds like you’re settled in nicely.   Thanks for keeping us posted.
 

41 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Permission to vent?

 

I find it disappointing that we booked months ago with HIA and can not get an accessible excursion. I heard back from our PCC who said "good question" call the shore excursion desk and ask them. I called, was told to go ahead and book any excursion and then send an email to special needs dept and they will make note of it and ensure we can get accessibility. Sent our excursion info and just got told we had to wait til we board and then go to the excursion desk. Asked our PCC if there could be an OBC or even a dinner we could use in exchange. "Good question" call the excursion department. 

 

Right now I'm too annoyed, so will call later. We will be on board 53 days with 6 bookings B2B etc and have those credits sitting on our itinerary.

 

Any advice? 

I'm sorry you are having this frustration.  No real advice except that with all things HAL, as you probably already know, it's good to call multiple times to the same department.  Everyone seems to have a different answer.  

Good morning everyone.

@Quartzsite Cruiser, glad you arrived safely.  Thoughts and prayers will be with you and DH today.  I think I mentioned before, my sister had this shunt procedure.  She did well with it.

I skimmed yesterday's Daily at the end of the day.  Belated Happy Anniversary, @Cruising-along.  Stunning wedding photo.  Gorgeous hair!

I was excited to see that Swedish Meatballs are on the menu today.  I love them, but have never been sure about making them.  @dfish, all the recipes look really good.  Thanks @smitty34877 for sharing your tips.  I noticed that our local grocery store is now carrying creme fraiche.  I might try that instead of cream or sour cream. In any case, definitely making an attempt.

@rafinmd, safe travels.  I'll be following along on the Cunard and Crystal forums.  Wishing you a wonderful time!

@RMLincoln, your move sounds like an exciting new chapter.  That's great they had an apartment available.  

So many of us are "on the move" soon.  Fall travel is delightful!

Thinking of all those who are experiencing difficulties and toasting those celebrating.  Have a great day, everyone!

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good evening.  It was pleasant when I took the golf cart around a little while ago before I switched the cars around for tomorrow when we head to UTSW for the pre op tests and CT scan with a special machine.  It all goes well, we'll head back to Dallas Thursday morning for DH to get the shunt placed.  Based on the results of the lumbar puncture on August 2, the shunt should relieve the NPH symptoms.

 

Lenda, it's late and you probably won't see this, but you and your DH will be in my thoughts tomorrow and the next few days as you get through this.  Somehow I was confused and thought you headed out Wednesday.  I hope all goes perfectly.

Maxine

Popping back in to read what I've missed.  Gotta agree with @Live4cruises...great memes today!

It's also fun reading about everyone's travel plans and how they prepare and pack.  During covid, it was nice to hear about daily routines.  Now that lots are on the go again, fun to hear about itineraries chosen, plans made, and how the trips go. I admire those who can manage with just carry-on for a cruise.  I did that for a 10-day trip to Hawaii, but that's Hawaii -- just a few lightweight things needed.

@StLouisCruisers, that is so odd that your relatives booked the same cruises as you.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?  

Seems like some cruises we run into the same people over and over.  Other cruises, you meet someone once and never see them again.  I hope you get the latter situation.  Or don't run into them at all!!  OMG...if certain of our relatives were onboard, I'd probably hide in my cabin the whole time.  

Well, back out to do more garden clean-up.  Saying good-bye to the squash plants.  Summer is over.

Good morning.  Very early morning here in San Diego.  I can't sleep.  Perhaps worrying too much about the high price of fish on the other thread.  🤣

Of all things, the cherries jubilee sounds nicest today.  A phyllo meat pie would be a good start to the meal.

I plan to have a quiet day today -- after a hectic week.  When DGD spent the night with us while her baby brother was in the hospital, she wouldn't let me brush her hair before school and really had wild curls flying everywhere.  I found out later it was picture day.  

Many thanks to all our contributors here at the Daily.  Wishing everyone a pleasant and peaceful Sunday.

It may have been better to do two press releases -- one to announce the Morimoto contributions and a separate one outlining all the different fish offerings in MDR from around the world.  The excellent list of fish varieties is kind of lost in the shuffle.  (I'll try to keep my mind on that part of it, rather than all the new stuff available to purchase.)

1 hour ago, 0106 said:

I was looking at Rudi’s menu; ithe Dover sole now has an up charge of $15.  I guess if you want “fresh” fish you are going to have to pay for it.

That's a shame.  Rudi's is spendy to begin with.

Oh, weird.  I really misunderstood this program.  

I guess I didn't listen/read carefully enough.

In honor of Hobbit Day…

If you have a port stop in Tauranga, New Zealand, you can spend the day visiting Hobbiton in Waikato. It's a glorious place.  The hobbits have a good life. 

Fresh or flash-frozen, I'm excited about this new program.  It will be great to taste fish local to the places we travel.  They did bring fish onboard in the South Pacific some years back.  It was excellent.  Look forward to more of the same.

Good afternoon/evening, everyone.  DD just picked up five-year-old DGD.  We had a sleepover, as DGS was admitted to the hospital overnight for hydration and observation.  DSIL travels a lot with his work, so we help out quite a bit.  DGS is okay -- just a virus.  We had a nice visit with DGD.  Lots of Care Bears movies, pickle ball, art work.  She was very well-behaved, but still wiped me out.  Sipping wine early tonight.  It's five o'clock somewhere, right?  

I have great memories of miniature golf.  DD and DS were a year apart, and there weren't that many things I could do with them that interested both when they were kids.  We sought out mini golf courses all over the place.  Most memorable is the one in Hannibal, Missouri.  @RedneckBobreminded me of that.

@cat shepard, you mentioned that you were seeing A Haunting in Venice. Wondered how you liked it.  I thought it was scary!  Big Kenneth Branagh fan here.

World Gratitude Day is a good one.  Got to count those blessings.

It's nice to see new posters here lately.  I dip in and out -- sometimes being unable to follow along well because of so much family activity and frankly never-ending health problems.  I really appreciate those who are steady here, and those who feel they want to join in.

Late to wish everyone a good day, so I'll wish a good evening.  Sending kinds thoughts to all.  💐

Good morning, all.

 @Lady Hudson, that's awesome that the Northern Lights appeared for you!  Wonderful luck.

@mamaofami and @ger_77, good to hear that your DHs are doing well and on the mend.  I was sad to read that @HAL Sailer's DH is having a hard time.  I hope his birthday is pleasant and wish many returns of the day.

@StLouisCruisers, I hope Ren feels better today.  Headaches in young people are always a worry.  Hang in there, coordinating teen activities.  Like you, we're used to a quiet life.  The grandkids really shake it up.  But in a good way.

@cunnorl, they redid our club dining room, too, and it was very disappointing.  It used to be a beautiful space.  Now just bland, bland, bland.  Sigh.

@rafinmd, almost there!  You have to go so that you can tell us all about the Grills experience!

I would love some pepperoni pizza.  And the banana daiquiri wouldn't hurt, either.  We had an early wake-up from DD that one-year-old DGS is not feeling well, so DH went with her to emergency room and I'll pick up DGD from school later on.  No really worries, just an abundance of caution, as he's had some allergy problems.  Just a hectic start to the day.

Everyone, enjoy your Hump Day.  It's pretty overcast here in San Diego today, but after a long, hot summer, it feels pretty darn good.

Thoughts are with all those having difficulties.

35 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

I called today to make my appointment and because I have the Fall and Spring boosters, I need to wait until mid October when the new booster will be here.  I explained I was going away and they said I should be fine since I have both.

 

Never thought of Paxlovid.  I have no medical conditions to be leery of other than my age and bad habits 😜. I feel your frustration, believe me.  I couldn’t get mine until after the 25th and didn’t realize I would have to wait.

Jacqui, you really might consider getting the Rx for Paxlovid.   I had full vaccine and many boosters, but still did catch covid back in December.  It took a long time for my lungs to clear out (about three months,) and then in March I started having leg pain that at times caused me to walk with a cane and caused many sleepless nights. Long story short, after a whole lot of tests, everyone seems to agree that it's covid-related.  Looking at reputable health websites, I guess this is something that does indeed happen.

I'm seeing improvement now, rather than getting worse, or probably wouldn't even talk about it.  (It's just all so weird.)  But when we travel in October, we are taking Paxlovid with us, just in case.

6 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

It could be worse. On an American Queen ship this June, they did afternoon tea one day. They had the lovely tiered servers, and the sweets were okay. Sandwiches were a bit dry--apparently nobody knew about the trick of covering them with a damp tea towel (or plastic wrap). Except for needing more raisins, the scones were good, but the horror of horrors was that the scones were served with packets of jam, the kind you get at a diner. Tacky! And check out the flavor I got! Who does that????????????

 

 

This is really funny.   Thanks for sharing.  

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Terry @smitty34877.  I'm glad Lou was at home with loved ones.

Maxine

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I'm feeling really uneasy now.  I'm booked on Queen Mary 2 September 29 to October 5 connecting to Crystal Serenity October 6-13 back to New York.  It's a trip I've really been looking forward to since it would be my first time in a Grills Cabin, and I had not expected to sail Crystal again after they stopped operating last year.

 

I really want this trip but am not sure I am up to it yet, and if I am to go I must send a bag off with Luggage Forward on Wednesday.  So little time to make a decision.

 

Roy

I can't think of a nicer way to recuperate and heal than what you have planned, Roy.  

I hope you get the steam up to send that bag off.  😊

Sad news indeed about Lou, @smitty34877Terry.  Prayers and loving thoughts are with you, Lou, and all of your family.  I'm so glad you and Lou have a lot of kind family support there.

Maxine