Cruising-along

Maureen @RMLincoln my condolences on the loss of your DSIL.  Even when expected, all loss is hard for those left behind.

I had a nice lunch and visit with my friend, a previous co-worker.  She had some big news since I last saw her.  She's lost 45 pounds, and will be having weight loss surgery in June.  I'm very proud of her! 

In other news, DH and I decided today to watch the cruise video we bought on the Grand Australia.  Hmm...It played the first 45 minutes (almost half) only to get the message that it's a corrupt video 😞  So DH put in a call to HAL, and they will contact Volendam photo.  As he told them, we just want a good video, not our $50 returned. 

Good morning all!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it's another rainy morning here in the PNW 😉  

Good selection of days -- DH and I did our DNA a few years ago, it's interesting to have that info.  I have several local hairstylists I use, and on the Grand Australia I got my hair cut and styled 3 times (!).  I had the same gentleman all 3 times, and he did a good job.  But oh boy was I glad we had a lot of OBC!  The prices are so much higher than I pay at home.  

I would like the drink, meal and as I said yesterday, Marlborough SB is my absolute favorite.  We have been to Santorini several times, I'll try to find photos that aren't too similar to the ones already posted.

Happy Birthday Maurice!  @ger_77

Terry @smitty34877 I was sorry to hear that Tana has had a few days of increased difficulty but glad you have extra help right now.

Annie @marshhawk Yay on Chuck's cancer receding! Great news.

@Haljo1935 I was sorry to hear that you had to cancel your cruises, but your health comes first.

Vanessa @JazzyV I think it makes sense that post surgery it would be uncomfortable to sleep in your bed.  I'm glad that the recliner does the trick, and most of all, that it's incision discomfort, not the pain and tingling now. I love that your BFF is there to help you.

@Cruzin Terri I hope you get answers from the doctor today.  Here the pharmacists do a "consult" or whatever they call it.  They are the ones who explain how to take a drug and any information you need to know.  They always ask if we need the info -- (usually we don't, but for new drugs we do).

@Sharon in AZ I was very sorry to hear that your DM isn't feeling well.  Sending hugs and prayers.

@Hogladyrider We have used a PCC at HAL for years.  After 20 years we're now on our 4th PCC.  They've all been very good, some better than others but no problems.

I have an update on Amber -- She is alert, talking, joking, and her personality seems unchanged. 🙂🙂   The downside is she still can't move her left side...they did another MRI, I'm waiting to hear the results of that.  Also still trying to get her blood pressure down.  The doctors are a bit baffled, they're wondering now if it was in fact a stroke or something else.  

Today I'm meeting a friend for lunch, not much else on the agenda other than housework.

We've been to Santorini at least 3 times and have enjoyed every visit. We've rented a car and gone to wineries, a tour to Akrotiri, and just browsing the shops and lunch.   Here are the photos I shared last time.

Jacqui, I'm so glad things have worked out in the MDR for you!  

Also that you're enjoying the PG 🙂  You have a different PG Manager than we had -- the last one left when we did, on the 6th.  It was the only problem we ever had in 94 days on the Volendam -- previously booked reservations for January 24 were canceled (my birthday dinner) for a group onboard.  To say I was disappointed and mad is putting it mildly.  (and yes, I did put in a formal complaint and got a good response).  They admitted it was "human error"....

Also it's great that you have a new Piano Man -- the last one was terrible!  

29 minutes ago, 0106 said:

After comments from @Cruising-along about her favorite Sauvignon Blanc regions and an informative post by @XBGuy, I thought I’d chime in too.  I was amazed by the Sauvignon Blanca I drank in Chile.

29 minutes ago, 0106 said:

have a difficult time describing why I like a wine but there was very little citrus, I would describe it as grassy.

Tina I also have a hard time describing why I like a wine.  I do know that I've found the CA and French SBs never have the "zip" that I like in the NZ and Chile SBs. They seem very bland in comparison.    Whether or not that "zip" is grapefruit, I don't know (I'm not fond of grapefruit, so it would surprise me if it is).  What it boils down to is we all like what we like, and I'm not swayed by ratings.  It's also not popular to like any oak flavor in the wine, and I like it (but just a touch). 🤷‍♀️

Good morning all!

The clouds are rolling in, our sunny days are gone for awhile.  Also will be at least 10 degrees cooler today than yesterday.  I finally have no more excuses and will tackle some indoor chores.  Also have a dental cleaning appointment this afternoon.

I think I've become a SB snob 🤣.  It's my wine of choice but only certain ones LOL.  Choice number 1 is Marlborough NZ, 2nd choice Chile SB.  I don't care much for CA or French SB.  Interesting about St. Mark's Eve, and I hope all lab animals are treated humanely.  Good quote, but I agree with Gerry @ger_77 about the "enormous demands".  😉  

I love salmon cakes (and all fish cakes) and would prefer the 2nd recipe over the others.  It's similar to the way I make mine.  Mimosas are good, will pass on the red wine.  Have been to Norway a few times but never Leknes.

Vanessa @JazzyV I'm absolutely thrilled that you are doing so well and that there's no pain or tingling!!  Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

15 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

Next thing I know, it's 6AM! I slept about 7 hours in the recliner, and had another nap after posting the Cares List, so almost 9 hours of sleep! I'm sure some of that was from the anesthesia. Best of all - NO LEG PAIN! No tingling either.

Thank God!!!!

Prayers that this is the beginning of much, much better days ahead for you. 

Good morning all!

This will be our last sunny day for awhile, so I plan to get outside as much as possible.  The laundry and everything else can wait. 😉 

Good selection off days -- I don't have English muffins often, but when I do I like them with Apricot jam.  I had never heard of Doctor Who before.  Will pass on the drink, red wine and meal (not a fan of ginger) and don't agree with the quote.  We were in Kona in 2010.  

Happy birthday Annie @marshhawk!

Happy birthday Charlene @cunnorl!

Vanessa @JazzyV Thank you for checking in with us last night after getting home from surgery, and I hope every day gets better and better for you.  You're amazing!

Terry @smitty34877 I'm very glad you have family there and that you're getting all that help. 🙂 

Elizabeth @Haljo1935 I hope your eye procedure goes well.

Maureen @RMLincoln I hope your DH's eye surgery goes well.

So sorry about the MDR problems Jacqui!  As Susan @durangoscots said, there was quite a turn-over in stewards before you boarded.  We had excellent stewards (and food) all through the Grand Australia -- I wonder if the chef changed too?!  Hope things get worked out soon for you. 

Loving following, thanks for bringing us along!

Early evening check-in

Welcome @shadow 123!  Very happy to have you here, we hope you come often. 🙂  

It's been a nice day, stopped by Total Wine and replenished the wine rack (the wine we had sent from NZ on the cruise takes up another wine rack by itself) 😉  Then bought another Fuschia, and then spent a few hours at DS and DDIL's house.  Funny that the subject of Iceland has come up because DS told us they're planning a trip there to see the eclipse in 2026.  Apparently several neighbors are going and one of them must be like Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser's DH because he has a nice telescope and gets amazing photos.  Anyway, we hope they go, they rarely take vacations.

Very glad to have left overs I can just heat up, will make a salad and we're set.  Hope everyone has a nice evening!

Good morning all!

We're having a few nice days and then the rain will return.  Tomorrow should be especially nice, sunny and up near 70 F.

A good selection of days, I'll pass on the red wine and drink, love coleslaw but in moderation. Tonight we'll be having left overs of the Pesto Chicken Meatballs we had last night.

We were in Mykonos in 2011 on the Celebrity Silhouette.  We took an excursion over to Delos, and the rest of the time I spent petting every cat I saw....and there were many. 🙂  

Vanessa @JazzyV Thinking of you today and praying this will be the answer.  

Bon Voyage Dixie @summer slope!

Happy Birthday Sue @Rowsby!

Safe travels Maureen @RMLincoln

@Denise T Good news that you won't have jury duty.  The day after we left on the Grand Voyage I got a jury summons -- I couldn't believe it.  Long story short, it has been postponed to August.  I'm hoping I won't be called, because parking near the courthouse is so bad.

@Cruzin Terri I'm very sorry you had to cancel your trip 😞  

Sandi @StLouisCruisers Thank you for your prayers re Amber 🙂  She actually is BFF's DIL, but since BFF has always seemed like another sister to me (we've been friends since 4th grade) Amber does seem like a family member of mine.

Today we'll be going to Total Wine to add to the supply, and then stopping by DS and DIL's to see them.  DIL had foot surgery while we were on our cruise, I'm glad she's doing well and weight-bearing now.  It was quite extensive surgery.

Some photos from our day in Mykonos

The Silhouette in Mykonos

I sat very still next to Petros, the resident pelican..

Mykonos windmills

Hundreds of cats, each one beautiful and healthy looking.

Delos

The lions of Delos

A couple murals in the Museum of Delos

A gorgeous sunset leaving Mykonos

4 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

@Cruising-along Adding my prayers for Amber. 

Thank you Melanie 🙂 

3 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

@Cruising-along, I was so sorry to read about Amber’s severe complications. Sending my prayers along as well.

Terry thank you!

1 hour ago, cunnorl said:

@Cruising-along So sorry to hear of the setback with Amber. Please know that she along with all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Charlene, it means a lot to us.

1 hour ago, dfish said:

@Cruising-along I'm sorry to hear of the continued issues Amber is having.  I hope the surgery will help reduce the swelling.  This must be very difficult for the family.  

 

Glad you are getting back into the swing of things since your cruise.  Are you doing the yearly trek to Yellowstone?

Thank you Debbie -- yes, very difficult for her family and friends.  Her husband (BFF's son) hasn't left her side.  

Oh yes, I made our Yellowstone reservations while on the cruise 😉  We'll be going late September and be there for our 55th anniversary. We prefer going in the spring, but this is 2nd best.

25 minutes ago, Cruisercl said:

 

 

@Cruising-along, Carolyn, so sorry to hear about Amber's setback.  More prayers for her.

 

Caron

Thank you so much Caron!  

56 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

A troubling update on Amber, but I hope the surgery will improve her condition. Continued prayers for her.

40 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Sending prayers 🙏 for Amber.

15 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Carolyn, I'm sorry the latest news about Amber was not good.  I hope the surgery helps, and they can get the swelling and high blood pressure under control.

9 minutes ago, durangoscots said:

Sending positive thoughts and prayers to Amber

Thank you Vanessa, Graham, Lenda and Susan.  BFF and I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.  I'll update as I hear more -- thank you!

Good morning all!

I missed yesterday and am late today -- I got some concerning news yesterday about Amber.  After a few days of improvement, the swelling in her brain returned.  The doctors all agreed that the best hope for her would be surgery so yesterday they removed part of her skull to relieve the swelling. They also have been injecting anti-inflammatory meds.   She did well with the surgery, now we wait and hope there will be no complications.  Prayers are so appreciated!

Interesting collection of days...industrial hemp is important, I went straight to 1st grade at 6 because kindergarten wasn't available when I was 5.  Yes on chocolate covered cashews!  Funny quote, I would love the meal but can't have that much soy sauce (even low sodium is too much) so I'll continue making my stir fry my own way.  Yes to the wine and I'd like to try the drink.  I always liked the song Heartbreak Hotel, have never been to Trinidad.

We're having another nice day, although a lot cooler than lately.  We got a lot of wind yesterday, and more trees came down in the woods up the road.  We're SO thankful they have finally taken all the Cottonwoods down behind our houses.  One came down in the road, and the city came out quickly to chip it.

We had a fun afternoon with our 8-year-old DGS, lots of games and laughs.  And chocolate chip cookies of course.

Happy 51st Anniversary Brenda and DH @bennybear!

Bon Voyage Jacqui @kazu!

Bon Voyage Colin @VMax1700!

Happy Birthday Tony @sailingdutchy!

Vanessa @JazzyV Praying that your surgery tomorrow will finally give you the relief you deserve.

Terry @smitty34877 That's wonderful that Tana was able to be at the dinner table yesterday 🙂 

Tina @0106 Thank you for the photo -- amazing!

I look forward to following along and hope you have a wonderful cruise!  That’s a great itinerary, have done that one several times. 🙂

Say hello to the Volendam for me, it was 2 weeks ago today we disembarked after sailing her 94 days on the Grand Australia/NZ. Looking forward to your observations   

I’m so glad to be home in the spring. 😍

Good morning all!

It's going to be another beautiful day, and in the mid 60's.  Today I'll plant the Sweet Peas, also will be baking cookies for DGS.  DD has asked us to stay with the 8-year-old tomorrow for a few hours while DSIL and our other DGS are camping with the Scouts and DD has a lunch date.

Good collection of days, but I'll pass on the drink, wine and meal (not a fan of fennel or couscous). Love, love garlic.   We haven't been to Malaysia.  Good quote.  I've read all of Stephen King's earlier books, and seen most of the movies.  The one that scared me the most was the one with Kathy Bates "Misery".  😲  She sure can play the villain.

@Haljo1935 I agree with all the advice you've been given.  Close the doggie door.  Not only for the reasons already given, but your fur baby could get hurt outside and nobody would know. It happened to a friend's cat.   I was fortunate when our fur baby was alive, we have a great neighbor who is also a cat lover and she came over every day.  When DD's family are away they hire a teenager (son of a friend) to come over daily.  This summer they will be away for 35 days, and the two Grandkitties will be staying here with us.

@doobieb Welcome to the Daily!  What a lovely rose and how wonderful that it's blooming on the 1st anniversary of your DM's passing.  Brought tears to my eyes!

Vanessa @JazzyV  YES!!  I'm so happy to hear that your surgery is now approved.  I was worrying for you.  Prayers that this will be the answer and you will finally get the relief you deserve.  I really don't know how you've put up with it this long, I would have caved after the first week.

53 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Carolyn, I hope the news about Amber is better.  Thanks for the pictures from Sydney.

Thank you Lenda -- I did get some good news about Amber!  She has a long way to go, of course, and we don't know yet if there will be any permanent damage, but last night she was alert for the first time and making eye contact.  She seemed to process what had happened and where the children were (with BFF).  After first being emotional, she calmed herself down.  So a step forward!

I told BFF about the Care List we have, and the prayers coming -- she was so very thankful!

I'm very glad to hear that your cyst isn't calcified and no surgery is needed!  Yay!

Good morning all!

We're having another beautiful sunny day.  Maybe we'll even bbq tonight.  

Interesting collection of days, I would try the drink but pass on the meal (give me plain old grilled cheese please) and red wine.  We were in Sydney last month for 2 days.  The first day we had a private tour to a wildlife park and Blue Mountains and the 2nd day we had a tour of the Opera House and Sydney.  I tried to find photos that haven't already been posted.

Jacqui @kazu I was so happy to hear your good report.  Now go on your cruise and enjoy!  

I haven't heard more news about Amber, but will contact BFF today.  I'm trying not to bother her too often, because as she said, they're "just trying to keep on keeping on".  She knows I'm available for anything -- we live over an hour apart, but I'd go up in a heartbeat.  I also know she has lots of family and friends who are close by and offering help.  

Koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park

Tasmanian Devil (note heart on his side)

Three Sisters at Blue Mountains

Boar's Head Lookout, Blue Mountains

Walk through the woods Blue Mountains

Waterfall Blue Mountains

Giant Palms

Bondi Beach

Interior of Opera House (we weren't allowed to take photos inside concert halls that day)

The tiles are self-cleaning with a special coating so rain washes all the dirt etc. into the drains

Evening view of Sydney from our balcony

3 hours ago, Toad said:

So what does being in the Presidents club get you?

On our recent Grand Australia/NZ cruise they closed down the Pinnacle Grill one day (lunch and dinner) because the President's Club wanted the waiters for a special occasion.  All reservations were canceled that day. 

Good morning all!

We'll have 3 days of beautiful sunshine and temps up to the mid 60's -- yay!  

Yesterday I had to laugh -- I always hang a windsock and change it for the season/holiday.  After hanging it yesterday, it set off the security camera every time the breeze made it move.....hanging them involves getting up on a ladder, so out came the ladder again so I could move it (DH was working)  Thankfully he'll be home to help me hang the heavy Fuchsia this week.  That's something I won't do alone.  🙂  

I don't think anyone in our family has ever had a Mustang.  Will pass on the drink, red wine and Rhubarb pie.  I would love pie for a meal, just not Rhubarb.  We've been to Taormina a few times and have a lot of photos, but they would be too much like Sandi's and Lenda's so will pass on posting them.

The latest I heard about Amber is that she had a stroke while in the hospital -- no other news yet today.  But BFF is overwhelmed, I'm sure, with the Grandkids and just everything.  Those poor kids 😞  I appreciate the prayers!

Jacqui @kazu I'm SO sorry to hear that your foot isn't any better and that you may have to cancel your cruise 😞  Prayers that everything gets much better and you get better news from your doctor.

@LambKnuckles Glad to hear you're feeling better!  Those coughs can certainly linger on.

Annie @marshhawk Yikes about your fall!  I'm sorry you had a rough night with the aches and pains, and join you in the relief nothing is broken.

Gerry @ger_77 My condolences on the death of your best friend from high school and your  classmate.

Welcome to the Daily @Gsel!

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Carolyn, thanks for the update on your BFF's daughter.  I hope Amber will make a full recovery, but what you found out does not sound good.  Sending positive thoughts their way.

Thank you Lenda.  No, it doesn't sound good. 😞  

21 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

Thanks for the update on Amber. It's surprising no one had checked her BP, like at the GYN office or some other medical setting. I had an older acquaintance that lost vision in one eye from untreated HTN - he disliked doctors.

I agree, which makes me wonder if this came on more recently, or maybe is Encephalitis (?)  I'm pretty certain she saw her doctor regularly.  I'll learn more, but right now my BFF is so busy helping out with the Grandkids so their Dad and Amber's parents can be with her, that I'm learning piece-meal.  

3 hours ago, JazzyV said:

So sorry to hear about your friend's DIL. Prayers for her.

Thank you so much, Vanessa.  She needs lots of prayers...

I heard from BFF this morning.  Amber was transported from the Bellingham hospital down to Seattle late last night/early early morning where she can get better neurological care.  She said the main thing right now is to pray that Amber will come out of this without permanent organ damage due to untreated high blood pressure for who knows how long and now brain swelling. 😞  

I don't know if they've been able to get an MRI done, apparently when they tried before, she became too agitated and they had to stop.  I hope to hear something more today.

The sun has come out, so I'm headed outside for some garden therapy.  

Good morning all!

Today will only get to the low 50's and wet this morning,  but tomorrow will warm up and we'll have a string of sunny days.  At least the bulbs I planted are getting watered-in.

I'll celebrate Emancipation Day and Bean Counter Day (DH was an accountant), will pass on the red wine and meal but would like the drink.  Have not been to Whitehorse.  

I haven't heard any more news from BFF about her hospitalized DIL, I'll contact her later today if I don't hear more.  I'm afraid it sounded very bad and I'm worried for them.  😞  

Prayers for all on the Care List and cheers for all who are celebrating today.

We have used Luggage Forward several times, most recently before and after the Grand Australia/NZ.  Bags were picked up at our home in mid December '23 and delivered to our home last week after the cruise.  Absolutely no problems, I would (and will) use the service again in a heartbeat!

They do have some restrictions such as no alcohol, no food, no medications OTC or prescribed, no lithium batteries...

In 2019 on the Nieuw Statendam our wonderful stewards made towel animals every night of the 39-day cruise.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Watching TV

Giant lobster

Under the bed near the end of the cruise.