Sharon in AZ

Happy Birthday Roy @rafinmd!! Enjoy your special day! 🎈🎈🎈

Good afternoon. It’s been windy today and right now 106, it’ll probably get higher. Summer is working on studying for her drivers learners permit but won’t actually be driving any time soon. I like bacon and lamb chops. Costco has some great lamb chops, like mini T-bone chops, and very thick. We marinade them and grill them, yum. Graham @grapau27, I think I understand your internet problems. And your meals look delicious. Great pictures of Oslo! Sandi @StLouisCruisers, I’m hoping you feel better. What a generous compensation for the missed ports. Have a great day everyone!

Gerry, I recently upgraded from an iPhone 6 to an iPhone 15!! What an improvement. What I’ve discovered is every once in a while it will give you tips on what is new to you. I did have to research some things too. I’m still learning but so happy with it.

Oh Elizabeth! My heart is with you. Back in 2016 when I decided to change jobs I worked next to a Mom of 5 boys, one of whom had recently died from suicide. Wow, it was so difficult to express my feelings to her but realized just being there for her was the best thing. Then I met Melissa D’Arabian who had lost her mother to suicide. If you can please read her book, Tasting Grace. She delves into her feelings about her mother and suicide. And this turned out to be in Tucson, quite a connection. She was/is a spokesperson for a National Board for Suicide Prevention. I can’t remember the exact name. Hugs to you.

Good evening! I absolutely love spanakopita! I fell in love with it when all my girlfriends were having babies and baby showers. One friend made the triangle type as appetizers for the baby shower—yum! I used to make it a lot but haven’t lately. Last time we went to Greece I tried it but it wasn’t as good as I remembered. I think it was just the version I tried. Probably just like we have different versions of a recipe. Happy Birthday to @SusieKIslandGirl’s DH! Sandi @StLouisCruisers, I hope your tummy feels better soon. Today we went for pedicures and I had Summer come along. They were super busy but we still went out for lunch. It’s so hot running around in this heat. But I just love my new car and it’s so much easier getting DM’s walker in and out of the hatch. Automatic open and close—wow. But even better is starting the car remotely so it’s somewhat cool when we get inside. Have a good evening!

Elizabeth, none of those names sound familiar. I’m seeing my DM tomorrow and will ask her. I have so many cousins and relatives in Limon and the area that I feel I’m related to almost everyone. The last name is Monks, not my name, but they are related to half of Limon. I have a brother who lives east and nieces and a nephew too. My DM still gets the Limon Leader and gives it to me to read. I’ll keep those names in mind while reading.

Good morning and Happy Tuesday. It’s supposed to be 100 or so today. Good collection of days. Thank you for the information about hate speech @0106. And the additional information about the quote. I enjoyed the Superman movies more than the TV series. Happy Birthday to Clark Kent. I usually make pork shoulder in the crockpot but want to smoke it next time I make it. I have one in the freezer so maybe soon. I make carnitas burrito bowls with the meat and sometimes by itself with sides. I freeze the leftovers and then we have an easy meal at the ready. Today I’m making a pasta dish. Yesterday I made chicken tacos with rotisserie chicken and peppers and onions. I was surprised how good it turned out. I would like a small glass of the wine but pass on the drink. Have a great day everyone!

Wow! That’s unbelievable. Limon is so small just like you said. My family has lived there for generations. Both my sets of grandparents lived there and my grandfather, my mother’s father, died there in 1934 during the dust bowl days from dust pneumonia. Thirteen children and my mother is the only one still living, she’s 95. Anyway, I would say the family name but don’t want to here. Starts with an “M” and there are a lot of them around along with a construction company with the name. However, I didn’t live there for very long, because my father went to dental school in Kansas City when I was small and after he graduated we moved to Brush. My parents divorced when I was 13 and we moved to Limon so DM could be closer to her family. This was 1968-1971. We lived there until I was 16 and then moved to Tucson where 2 of her sisters were living. You have to tell me about your Limon connection.

Good morning and Happy Monday from a toasty Tucson. @cruising sister, there really aren’t any good restaurants near the airport, just fast food places. However, one of the concourses has a Beyond Bread with a smaller menu than their regular place. The sandwiches are really good. When I was working I ate lunch there many a time. It’s in concourse B so just depends which airline you’re flying. Concourse A has a few places to eat too but I don’t think they are as good as Beyond Bread. ** I just looked up their website and it says that they are also in concourse A.** Susan @durangoscots, Happy Birthday!! Enjoy your special day! 🎈🎈🎈 Paul @kochleffel, thank you for the article about making your own savory galette. I have some ingredients that just might make a good one. Debbie @dfish, thank you for the recipes today. The mushroom one looks good and so does the corn one. My first thought about your dream was that you had stolen Annie’s @marshhawk’s kittens! Root beer is about the only soda that I’ll drink but only as a float. Little known fact about me is that I worked for a summer when I was 15 at an A&W as a carhop. No roller skates but I did have a change belt. This was in a tiny town in Colorado on the eastern plains, Limon. Living in the desert I’m not sure how to combat drought but I do think it’s important to have drought tolerant plants and conserve water. Sandi @StLouisCruisers, good to read you are feeling better. Happy CC anniversary! Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser, your brisket sounds like it turned out great. My step father was from San Antonio and he always marinated brisket in store bought Italian dressing before grilling it. It always came out really good. Today we are taking Blue to the vet. Ann @Vict0riann, I took your advice and checking on the glands you mentioned might be a problem. We will see. Have a great day everyone!

Roy @rafinmd, what a great picture of your father. You resemble him! We have been seated with complainers. The worst was an anniversary cruise seated at a large table for eight. It seemed they were all friends and traveled together to the ship. The constant rehashing of their travels and complaining of this and that just did me in. We asked to be seated at another table that very evening. And it was one of the last times we had a shared table.

Good morning and Happy Sunday. Happy Father’s Day too! Good days to celebrate. Some Chenin Blancs are good. I prefer Sauvignon Blanc. I don’t have a desire to visit the port. I’ve seen chickpea pasta but have never had it and eggplant in pasta is common in Italy. I’m not sure what I’m making today. Depends if Craig and Summer come home today. Have a great day everyone!

Good evening! Today, at the last minute, Craig took Summer north to Show Low. His DS’s daughter and family were visiting from California and all the girls were wanting to see each other. Not sure how long they are staying. We have been to Ketchikan 4 times, most recently a year ago in May on the lovely Volendam. It’s one of my favorite Alaskan ports and a great place to shop for souvenirs. Have a good evening!

I like all your ingredients and agree with you that you should use all fresh ingredients. Thank you Debbie! We will have to see what happens next. I’m taking it day by day. I wish you were here to enjoy our pool but I don’t think you would like our weather. Me too! Thank you Lenda.

We keep ours at 79 which is very comfortable except when I’m cooking or baking and then I just turn it down to 78. Craig doesn’t like cold blowing air either and complains when I have it on 79. Problem is that we have two stories with the main bedroom and bathroom on the second floor so it gets hot up there. I can’t stand blowing air while I sleep so no fans and do turn the A/C down at night.

Good early afternoon! Happy Friday! Craig put out the new flag he just bought early this morning. I don’t think I’ve ever had Chop Suey. I have a few books on my DM’s family history that she gave me recently. Very interesting. A relative, I believe one of her aunts, wrote one of the books and even went to the small town in England where distant relatives lived and were buried. She even has some pictures. We have our DGD here for a while. It’s summertime and not much for her to do except get in trouble while DS and his SO are working. They caught her with a boy they didn’t want her seeing and things went south so we are trying to keep her busy. I am teaching her how to make the no knead bread she loves so much. Craig has been taking her on errands and bought her a book to read. Hopefully I can get her in the pool for some exercise. Bon Voyage @Lady Hudson! Safe travels home @Cruzin Terri! Roy @rafinmd, thinking of you today while you have your medical tests and your DB’s Heavenly Birthday. Have a great day everyone!

Pennie, he doesn’t look so intimidating in your picture! And no purple/blue hair. What a great memory!

Good morning and Happy Thursday. I have seen axe throwing on TV and don’t think that I’ll ever try it myself. I try not to be a klutz in the kitchen, just take it slow because of my arthritis. I like radishes, especially in tacos and salads. I’ve never had them cooked. I’m thinking about making yesterday’s meal next week. Debbie @dfish, did you make it yesterday? Let me know what you thought. Today I need to make something with some Costco rotisserie chicken breast, I haven’t decided what yet but I’m leaning toward making sandwiches since I have bread left from making BLT’s. BLT’s are a favorite summertime meal for me. I’m not sure if I’d like the drink or wine. I haven’t been to Bruge. It looks beautiful. Ann @Vict0riann, so good to read that your surgery is soon. I’m thinking about you and hope your recovery is quick. Joy @Seasick Sailor, I’m praying for Allen and know with your good cooking he will gain the one lb he needs to gain. Have a great day everyone!

Good evening. Today was warm and we are getting into our summer routine of pool time at 6:30. Craig reads while I paddle around. I think I like my new phone. It has taken most of the day to reset some settings, like my ringtone. At least I can use the app for our new car. It has a remote start that will come in handy during the hot summer days. It also tells us about service that is due. Terri @Cruzin Terri, if I was in your situation I would just plan on staying where you are for a few days just to be safe. No need stressing out on your journey home. @erewhon, congratulations on your 5 year anniversary, I hope you celebrated today. I am amazed that I’m the only person here who has been to the port today. Wish I could have posted pictures. I wouldn’t plan a cruise just to stop there but I was really impressed with the Columbus memorial. Good night all!

Good morning and Happy Wednesday. I finally have my new phone but am really upset about the in store customer service. I’ll get over it but will definitely write the company. Happy Birthday @catmando!! Enjoy your special day! Surprisingly I have been to today’s port. I just can’t remember if it was in 1999 or 2000. It was on the Veendam and I really think it was 1999 and it’s possible that it was the cruise for our 25th anniversary. The cruise was out of San Juan and Santo Domingo was the first port. I remember that the harbor was very trashy, full of floating trash. We took a tour to the Christopher Columbus memorial. It’s a huge memorial but beautiful. Allegedly, Columbus is buried in a tomb there. I don’t have pictures, at that time Craig took mostly video. I think we went somewhere else on the tour but don’t remember. I like falafel but have never made them from scratch. Terry @smitty34877, I’ve heard that they come out better using dried chickpeas. Takes longer but there is something about the texture, just like with hummus. I’ve been wanting to make Molly Yeh’s recipe. For some reason my cut and paste isn’t working or I’d post the recipe. She also has a recipe for falafel waffles that look really good. I would like to try the meal suggestion, but I don’t have all the ingredients. Not sure what I’m making today but it’ll be something easy. Have a great day everyone!

Pat, so good to hear from you! I hope you post more often. Please give Bob my best. I don’t remember what I ate but gosh that dream was vivid and crazy. Carolyn, I wish you were on the cruise too! But don’t you have a Grand World cruise in January? I’m envious of that!

Good morning and Happy Monday. Debbie @dfish, I feel for you about Sunday nights sleeping except mine is opposite, I get to sleep just fine but wake up too early. I’ve been able to get back to sleep after being awake a few hours. When I was working I didn’t have enough time to do that. This morning I was able to sleep until 8:00, and I had some crazy dreams. We were on our August cruise and I was all settled into my inside cabin but two people showed up, it was a shared cabin! (Must be because of that solo cabin thread.). I was really upset and to top it all off the cabin turned out to also be the only bar/lounge onboard! We were all stuffed in there like sardines. What was in my mind beats me. Happy Birthday Denise!! @Denise T Enjoy your special day and I hope you find a way to celebrate. Bruce @aliaschief, welcome home! Sandi @StLouisCruisers, I think what you did with the relatives was a brave move and even though it might still be a strained relationship it proves that you did it for Mrs Relative. Good days for today. I do prefer pencils but can’t do without a pen when signing something or writing a check. I love my HAL pens and Craig asked me to get a few extra on our last cruise, however I think customer service caught on. 😉 The meal sounds good and so does the wine but not at that price. I make iced tea all the time and I use my Kuerig. I make three kinds, regular, decaf, and mango. TJ’s has a seasonal mango tea that Craig can’t live without. He likes it both hot and cold. I make the regular and decaf with Luzianne for myself. We have been to Malta and fell in love with it. I wish we could go back. I don’t have pictures. This is what I wrote previously and thanks to Sandi for the link. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ We were in Valletta on the Rotterdam May 2001. I accidentally broke my camera so I don’t have pictures but Craig took video. We went to St John’s Co Cathedral and walked around a lot. It was interesting seeing all the narrow pedestrian streets, most of which were sloping or stairs like the one in Sandi’s picture. We also went to a hard to find church called St Paul’s Shipwreck. Paul the Apostle shipwrecked at Malta and is considered a spiritual father to the Maltese. It has a few relics of St Paul. A friend of ours asked us to seek it out and I brought him back some postcards. Then we had a lovely lunch in a restaurant that was like a wine cellar. Thanks to everyone who posted pictures. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I appreciate all the pictures especially of the Co Cathedral and the tapestries. This was the cruise we met Bob & Pat @bobpatj I haven’t seen Pat post in a long time. I hope they are okay. I believe @sailingdutchymight know them. Have a great day everyone!

Yes Joy, that cottage cheese lobster looked icky, sorry. Did you send it back? I always order the broiled, I think it has more flavor. Best ever was in the Pinnacle Grill October 2022 during our Canada to Florida repositioning cruise. We had a huge Daily group that Rich set up. It was huge! And so yummy!! And I couldn’t eat it all so I offered Carolyn @Cruising-along some and she loved it too. I am looking forward to some really good lobster in August! We have 2 dinners in the Pinnacle Grill and I might just have the supplement lobster. And I seem to remember that you said the small ones in the MDR are not as good.

Good morning and Happy Sunday. Yesterday wasn’t as oppressively hot as Friday was and I think today will be even better at about 101. Good days to celebrate and I love shrimp and rice, especially fried rice. But today I think I’m making sausage and peppers. I have leftover sausage from making pizza and need to use it up. I’ll pass on the drink. I’ve only had Irish coffee once and didn’t like it. I haven’t been to Montego Bay, only Ocho Rios. And would prefer to never go again. Annie @marshhawk, it sounds like you enjoyed your all inclusive there and I don’t ever remember you mentioning it before. Terri @Cruzin Terri, enjoy the beach and your book! You deserve a relaxing day. You’ll have to tell us how the buffet lunch was. Jacqui @kazu, I think it’s good to know your options for the future. My DM loves her place and is more active than ever. Hugs to you as you contemplate. Like Debbie @dfish said yesterday, we decided to arrive in Boston a day early so we can have a full day there. After last years fiasco in April trying to get to Fort Lauderdale because of their flooding and the recent flight delays I had in Dallas I feel much better with an extra day as a buffer. I also changed my flight to go through Phoenix instead of Dallas. I’m getting excited! Bon Voyage @Mtn2Sea and @cruzn single!! Have a great day everyone!

Bon Voyage! Enjoy Alaska! ⛴

Yes! Three wild and crazy gals! We are going to have so much fun.