Cruising-along

Good morning all! Interesting collection of days, I'll pass on the banana drink (eww) and the wine. Would like the meal but have never spatchcocked a chicken before. The directions always make it look easy....I'm not so sure. 😅 We've been to Juneau at least 3 times. Our first cruise in 2004 was to Alaska (easy, easy no flights). It was on the Amsterdam and of course we've been hooked ever since. That was a 7-day cruise, we took another 7-day on Celebrity, a 12-day Cruise/Denali, and next year we'll be taking the 28-day Alaska Arctic Circle cruise. Bon Voyage @kochleffel, @Vict0riann, @sailingdutchy and @ocean sounds! On our first Alaska cruise we went kayaking in Juneau and Ketchikan. This was from Juneau. One time we rented a car and drove to Mendenhal Glacier Visitor Center and walked to the glacier and Nugget Falls. A short stop on our drive Our last Alaska cruise was this fall and we had a drizzly day in Juneau. We would have taken the Mt. Roberts tram but the visibility would obviously be bad at the top. And we wanted to get a drink at the Red Onion Saloon, but it was packed wall to wall with people and a very long wait. So we passed. Some wild flowers in Alaska

He did post here yesterday, nothing yet today.

Agree! I was surprised they didn't even mention Grand or World Voyages.

Good morning and Happy Halloween! In the past I always went all out decorating for Halloween, lots of fun. The first year we lived here (brand new development) we got over 300 trick or treaters -- all driven in from other neighborhoods. Now not that many, and we have very few little ones on this street. I'll appreciate carved pumpkins done by others, not sure if I have any psychic powers, and salute the founder of the Girl Scouts. My DSIL is rightfully proud that Juliette Gordon Low comes from Savannah. I remember seeing her house there on a visit. Good quote, will pass on the meal. Tonight will be some delicious left over Chinese food. We have an excellent restaurant nearby. Will pass on the drink, but would try the Chardonnay. We were in St. Peterport, will see if I can find my photos. We walked to Cornet Castle. This morning I got another survey from HAL. This one was about longer (25+ day) cruises. St. Peterport Cornet Castle

Good morning all! No thanks to the candy corn. I'll always choose chocolate and if candy corn was the only choice, it would go into the garbage. 😉 Not sure if we have mischief night here, and I have a huge checklist for the GA. Slowly things are getting done. Pass on the meal, wine and drink. Once I got a wrong number call and the person had the gall to ask who I was! I asked "Who are YOU"? So the quote reminded me of that. Now I just don't answer if I don't recognize the number/name. Thanks for all the photos of Belfast! We've been to Ireland but not Belfast. Today is recuperation day after having our little whirlwind DGS here. He wanted to stay another day, glad he had a good time! We did too, but there's only so much we can take lol. His brother is feeling much better, so it was a 24-hour thing. He slept half the day away and now his fever is gone. Hopefully they will both be here for an overnight on the 9th. We have only 2 more days of sunshine, and then the rain will start .... and go on and on. But warmer temps with the cloud cover. Prayers for all on the Care List and cheers for all who are celebrating!

Good morning all! Hopefully I have a few more quiet moments before DGS wakes up. We're really enjoying having him here, and of course he's loving the undivided attention he gets because his brother is sick and couldn't come for the weekend! Just before bed last night he told me that he loves coming here overnight (made my heart happy!) Tonight we're going to the pool with my neighbor and her granddaughter. I couldn't let cat day go by without looking for photos 😉 I'm loving all the photos today of the beautiful cats! @Crazy For Cats I didn't realize you have 7! I thought maybe 4...wow! All beautiful. Since I posted all my black cat photos the other day, here are the other cats we've had in our lives. Every single one of them chose us, not the other way around. And most of them have been tabbies. My first cat as a child was an orange kitty (George) but I don't have photos of him. Our first cat, Cairo with our daughter. He got to be 17 pounds but wasn't fat, just a large cat! And our last cat, Suhy. Raised her with a bottle, she thought I was her Mommy. ❤️

Good afternoon, We're home from the pumpkin patch. We left before the scouts took the hay ride to the corn maze and fire pit and DSIL will bring DGS to us when they're all done. Unfortunately our older DGS (10) woke up sick this morning (very sore throat and low fever) so he can't be with us this weekend. DD stayed home with him. We'll miss him! We had fun, I even bought some apple butter at the Country Store and we ate some delicious corn on the cob dipped in garlic butter. There were a lot of people there, all the parking lots filled to the brim -- the corn/pumpkin patch is doing well! Lots of fun things to do for the little ones and yummy food. It's a gorgeous day too. Lots of sunshine even though it's chilly.

Good morning all! It was down into the 20's F this morning -- brrr! The house was cold until the heat kicked in. Interesting days, and I'll pick chocolate every day. We've been to Long Beach when we lived in CA and also when DS lived in So. CA. I'll pass on the drink and red wine, but the meal sounds good. Today will be busy, we're going to the pumpkin patch/festival with DD, DSIL and the boys with their scout group. It has become a yearly tradition. That will be all afternoon, and then the boys will come home with us for the night. Another full day tomorrow before we take them home. I wish I'd gotten more sleep than I did, but I'll survive. Jack @Heartgrove Good that you went to Urgent Care. I'm allergic to wasp stings and now carry an epipen at all times. We found out about the allergy when I broke out in whole-body hives. Vanessa @JazzyV I'm sorry you had another rough night. We need to get you better! Lorraine @cruising sister Good news about baby Murphy! Thank you for letting us know. Now to get ready for the day...

Did anyone else get an email survey today from HAL about the onboard gift shops? I think there were only 4 questions: Mariner level, did I take a HAL cruise in 2023, how long the cruise was, and did I go to the gift shops? (I haven't looked in the gift shops much less bought anything in years). I sure hope this means they're considering changing the merchandise! I quiet day of laundry and cruise planning, I'm resting up for the weekend when our DGSs will be here.

Good morning all! It's a foggy morning here and frost on the rooftops. Only 30 F this morning, but heading to 50. Hard to believe our warm weather is over! I love all black cats, prefer Guinness over American beer, and will salute the Navy (DH is retired Supply Corps). Funny quote, will pass on the meal. We'll be having chicken gyros tonight. The drink sounds good, I do like rum, but will pass on the red wine. We've been to Lima -- we sailed out of Lima in 2015 on the Statendam for a South America cruise. We had a hotel near the Miraflores area, many of the photos posted look so familiar! DH and I are itching to start packing for the GA, we'll leave for San Diego in 65 days. But our luggage will be picked up in 49 days and since we have unlimited luggage forwarding, I'm bringing a lot 😉 But the grandsons will be sleeping in the guest room (our packing room) a couple times before then, and HAL hasn't let us know what the theme nights will be, so we have to wait. I'm not feeling very patient LOL. Happy Birthday Graham @grapau27! Bon Voyage @Norseh2o! @Cruzin Terri I'm so sorry to hear about your DH's fall last night. Happy there are no broken bones, but he must hurt all over. I agree about the 8:00 phone call, I wouldn't like that. Around here companies aren't allowed to call before 9:00. This is also DS and DDIL's 22nd wedding anniversary. I know they're both working today, I hope they have something special planned for the weekend. Some black cats in my life. All but 1 have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. All very much loved. The one black cat we owned ourselves, our sweet Ebony. Lived to be 17. My neighbor's cat Jinx, my buddy. He passed last December. Spek, a previous cat of DD's and Soot, DD's black kitty now. We went to a fabulous horse show near Lima and drank Pisco 😉

Sounds great and I'm so glad you're going to see the Underground at the Colosseum. We really enjoyed it.

Debbie @dfishthank you for the recipe! I will definitely be making that in the future. Of course I’ll be replacing the mushrooms with some other vegetables (no surprise to you). 🤣 @Mtn2Seayou got a great photo of the Duke! He’s such a personable young man. I remember his joking about working for his wife because she ran the gift shop. @mamaofamiI’m glad Sam is home from the hospital. Today I’ve been really dragging even after 2 good nights of sleep. Almost fell asleep on the couch this afternoon, so I decided to mow the lawn to try to wake up. I know it’s after effects of the flu shot, should be better tomorrow. Strangely my arm hurts more today than yesterday too. Odd.

Good morning all! We had our first frost this morning! And the next few nights will be down below freezing before the rains return and warms up. Like Debbie @dfish I always made mincemeat pie for my Dad too. After Mom passed he and I were the only ones who liked it, and since he passed I don't make it anymore. All my gratitude to our servicemen and women who deploy. I know first-hand how difficult it is for them and their families left behind. I love my horseless carriage. Funny quote, will pass on the soup. We're having Halibut cakes from some leftover Halibut we had last night. I would probably like the drink, have been to Scotland but not this port. As for the wine, I've tried it (an employee at Total Wine really pushed it so we bought a bottle). I will stick to my New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The Olema was "ok" but I haven't bought it again. Prayers for all on the care list and for the victims and families of the senseless shooting in Maine. Cheers for all who are celebrating.

Good afternoon all, Brenda @bennybear Please tell me that photo is from a previous year and that you don't have that much snow now?? 😲 Vanessa @JazzyV I'm so glad you went in today and got such a thorough exam. I'm hoping you're just a "late responder" as you said, but at least there's a plan to check things out more thoroughly. Also hope you can sleep tonight. Karen @luvteaching How wonderful you got that letter from someone who worked with your DH! Debbie @dfish I'm glad you got an appointment and it's good you're on the waitlist for a sooner appointment. This morning I got my flu shot, so far just some mild chills, headache and feeling quite sleepy. For once I know that isn't because of lack of sleep, since last night I slept 11 hours after taking a sleep aid. Also I just saved $44 on our airport hotel here in Everett, it always pays to watch prices. 😄 Have a good evening everyone!

Bon Voyage!

Good morning all! Interesting days today, will pass on the drink but would love to try the white blend wine and the meatballs all sound great. We haven't been to many of the Caribbean islands, and this port doesn't sound familiar. Thanks for all the photos! In a bit of a rush this morning so I can be on time for my flu shot. Will check in later. Happy anniversary @seagarsmoker! Debbie @dfish Congratulations on paying off your car. Always a good feeling and the extra $$ isn't bad either! Vanessa @JazzyV Well dam! I'm so sorry you had another bad night 😞 Let us know what they say at pain management today. I hope they help. Bruce @aliaschief I'll take that Oyster Bay if you don't want it. 😉 😄 Looks like a great cruise!

Very talented indeed!

Good morning all! That's a good quote, will pass on the meal (we aren't really fond of soups for meals), and pass on the red wine. The drink sounds good. I'm starting to sound like a broken record. No sleep again last night, and for no good reason. Just wide awake. But again, I'm thankful I'm not in pain like Vanessa @JazzyV I sure hope your epidural kicks in soon and I'm glad you called the pain management nurse. I hope they have some good advice for you and that it helps! It's definitely fall here now. Cooler evenings and mornings, and will only get to the mid 40's today. I'm laughing about the "feels cold below 70 in FL" because that's so true. On one visit it was actually pleasant for me, only 72 and I loved it. Usually it's just too hot and humid for me. The locals were running around in parkas and apologizing for the weather. Tomorrow I'll get my flu shot. Glad it isn't today, as I shouldn't be driving as sleepy as I am today. Lorraine @cruising sister great advice, thank you. I'm sure getting multiple vaccinations would be safe, but I know my body and how it reacts so I'll continue to spread mine out. I noticed our clinic is offering both the flu and Covid vaccinations together. I get a reaction every time from even one vax ranging from just a sore arm to whole body aches/pains/fever for days. I'm in no hurry anyway so I think better safe than sorry. We're having the grandkids here this weekend and I need to be 100%. 🙂 And congratulations on passing your stress test with flying colors! I was pleased to get a response from the survey I sent in about my experience with FTD and the delivery fiasco I had when sending flowers to my BFF last week. They're offering to send another arrangement to anyone/anywhere. Bon Voyage Bruce @aliaschief! Your hotel breakfast looks a lot like what we got at a great boutique hotel in Quebec City. A wonderful touch! Happy Birthday @Overhead Fred! Happy 32nd anniversary Joy and Allan @Seasick Sailor! Welcome to the Daily @Spudd! Jacqui @kazu Welcome home but I'm sorry you had such sad news on your return. Terri @Cruzin Terri I'm glad you were able to get an appointment for your DH this week and won't have to wait until late November. Terry @smitty34877 I'm sorry to hear that Tana has pneumonia. Prayers the antibiotics do the job quickly.

There shouldn't be any problem doing that.

Good morning all! The forecast shows a cooler day here, only the low 50's F. But the afternoon shows partly sunny, so maybe I'll get in the garden. My MIL lived on the opposite coast so I didn't get to know her well. The times I was with her, I was thankful to have a country between us... 😉 I try to be a good MIL to my SIL and DIL, and learned especially to never be critical. I love them both. Whew, very relieved to know we aren't celebrating the burrowing rodents that plague my yard! I'm not a fan of talk shows so can't comment on talk show hosts. Funny quote, will pass on the red wine but both the soup and drink sound good. Have not been to Gisborne and it isn't on the itinerary for the GA. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser Safe travels and good report today at Steve's post-op check. Vanessa @JazzyV I hope the leg pain, tingling and numbness will improve soon. @Cruzin Terri That was a hard decision but you made the right one. Prayers that the situation improves soon. @Vict0riann Happy birthday to your DS! Jack @Heartgrove Thank you for sharing the photos of Lily, she's adorable! I'm loving all the photos of the fall colors! I agree too about keeping the daily discussion and am fine with closing each one. Actually that's a good idea to close it for other reasons too.

If you can, the tour beneath the Colosseum is interesting and very worthwhile. Also Palatine Hill, Cappuccin Crypt (if you can stand the "creepy factor"), Nero's Golden House, stroll along the Ponte Sant'Angelo to Castel Sant'Angelo, and a walk on the Appian Way. So, so much to see and do in Rome!

Never, never nuts in ice cream -- and I think both my parents loved it. I also don't like nuts in cookies or any baked goods. I haven't, Debbie. Could you post that recipe too? I do remember having a stew in Dublin, but can't remember if it had Guinness.

I detest FLL. Terrible experiences there.

Good morning all! It's a cloudy, drippy day here, maybe will get up to 60 degrees F. I love my neighbors, we've become good friends and all look out for each other. We always have a few jars of nuts in the house (usually peanuts, cashews and almonds) but oddly I don't care for them in baking. I do add some to my stir fry though. Good quote, will pass on the red wine, the drink, and meal (mushrooms). Tonight will be hot beef sandwiches to use up the pot roast. Last night I made the Guinness beef pot pie and we enjoyed it. I did do one thing I'm sorry about, though. I was lazy and bought a pie crust for the first time ever. It would have been better with homemade. Anyway, it was a fun recipe to make. I used pot roast and shredded it -- tender and yummy. I'll have the last of it for lunch today. Sharon @Sharon in AZ thank you for your recipe too! Interesting that the beer goes in the crust as well as the filling. I made this recipe from Debbie @dfish https://howtofeedaloon.com/guinness-ground-beef-pot-pie/ (instead of hamburger I used the pot roast). Welcome home Jacqui @kazu, Tina @0106 and @St Pete Cruiser! Vanessa @JazzyV I am so sorry your pain was worse this morning. I was hoping it would get better each day, not worse. 😞 Today we'll be driving south to Total Wine to replenish the wine rack, and also stop at DD's to check on Soot and Smudge, their kitties. The family is away this weekend. So I get some kitty love. We were in Stockholm on our Baltic cruise on the Eurodam in 2014. I'm sure we did more than go to the Ice Bar, but this is the only photo I can find this morning. 🤣 We're holding glasses made of ice with vodka in them. Fun and different!

I look forward to tagging along! My favorite ship and my favorite cruise destination -- enjoy!! (oh, I'm a spreadsheet gal too) 😅