Cruising-along

I hope Jacqui @kazu is alright, I don't think we've heard from her for a few days.

Good morning all! We're loving our beautiful early fall weather lately. It will get to the high 70's and stay sunny and warm-but-not-too-warm all week. I was blessed to know all 4 of my grandparents. They were all wonderful. I got my love of gardening from my paternal grandparents, and a few of my health problems from my maternal grandparents (but they were wonderful people anyway) 🤣 When I was younger and raising small children I did a lot of sewing -- but haven't now for years. Swapping ideas is part of life, and I love it. Funny quote! I would like the Pinot Gris, pass on the drink, and would like the meal but minus any dill and olives. We've been to Amsterdam a couple times -- in 2018 and for a few days in 2019 on our 75-day 50th anniversary trip. Today is laundry and start packing for Alaska. It has been raining a lot where we're going, but no worries, we in the PNW don't melt when it rains. 😉 In 2018 we had an overnight in Rotterdam. On one day we took the train to Amsterdam, did the HOHO, went to the Van Gogh Museum, and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Amsterdam train station In 2019 we stayed at the Movenpick (thank you Debbie @dfish for the recommendation! We loved that hotel. We walked all over for hours, we went to the Anne Frank House (bought our tickets ahead of time), and got flowers for our cabin at the floating flower market. Great hotel! Such a sobering experience. Photos inside weren't allowed. Flower market Flowers for the cabin I loved the flowers along the canal. We had a great send-off from Amsterdam.

DD and DSIL have made it to the half-way mark at Deception Pass. 35 miles. So proud they do this every year!

Good morning all! We're having lovely early fall weather, sunny and 75F today. I love teddy bears, especially cute baby (live) bears we've seen in the wild. Also I like most weirdos, and have never even tried Sudoku (!) Will pass on the drink and meal (quinoa) but prefer Prosecco over champagne. The one time Livorno was on an itinerary for us, we missed it due to weather 😞 It's on our Med and Atlantic Passage next fall (overnight) so I really hope we make it there this time! We've spent a few days in Cinque Terre and been to Sienna (our daughter spent time there when she was in college), so our plan will be one day in Florence and one day to Pisa. Thanks for all the great photos! Again, Terry @smitty34877 hugs and prayers to you, Lou, and all the family. Melanie @puppycanducruise Gorgeous Hibiscus! Surprising that it's blooming now, mine just finished up last week. Roy @rafinmd Please take it easy. I'm glad you're feeling no worse, and hope it will be short and mild. Good that you got the medication. Annie @marshhawk A Very Happy Anniversary to you and Chuck! Enjoy your dinner out tonight. Vanessa @JazzyV Thank you for mentioning my niece today -- very appropriate for today because today is the yearly MS Bike Ride. Our DD and DSIL participate every year in honor of their cousin Jeannine and friends who also have MS. Also thank you for mentioning my DBIL. He will see his oncologist on the 13th and we'll know more about what treatment is available to him. Here are some photos of my favorite teddy bears. This one was taken by John Morrison, a fabulous photographer in the Yellowstone and Teton area. This is the *famous* Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs 3 years ago. She's well-known because she's 27 now and still having babies! Every spring we wait to hear if she made it through another winter. And this was taken by DH on one of our trips to Yellowstone. Mama and baby.

Terry my heart breaks to hear your news. Sending (((hugs))) and prayers for all.

Wow Debbie, just wow! No kidding she needed a new line of work. 😂 My only complaint when I went to those little classes they sent me to was that I knew more than the dietitian did (but then I watched my Mom and other relatives battle Diabetes most of my life). I stopped going when I realized she wasn't teaching me anything.

Good morning all! I've been awake since a little after 5, finally dragged myself out of bed a little before 6 -- but for once I slept well all night, so I'll take it. 🙂 Terry @smitty34877 I add my thoughts and prayers for you and for Lou. While going through cancer treatments my sister also had several ER visits -- prayers that all will be ok. Nancy @ottahand7 the colors of your Daylilies are exquisite! Jacqui @kazu Thank you for posting the photos of your beautiful flowers 🙂 My garden is winding down, and I don't have many fall-blooming plants so I appreciate seeing yours. Annie @marshhawk I'm sorry you're struggling with your A1C and I cannot believe your doctor never mentioned carbs?! I think I would change doctors... Just keep an eye on what you eat during the day and try not to have a lot of carbs (especially in one meal). You'll be fine, it's a balancing act. I'll pass on the drink, red wine, and meal. Debbie @dfish Thanks for thinking of me about the sodium content 🙂 Anything with soy sauce (even "reduced sodium soy sauce" is out for me, or at least I reduce the amount a LOT. It didn't appeal to me anyway luckily 😂 The thought of maple syrup and salmon doesn't sound great...will stick to my usual lemon and garlic. I always admired Queen Elizabeth so much, and since we recently watched The Crown my admiration grew even more. Today I'm going to broach the subject of celebrating Christmas early with the DD, DSIL, DS and DDIL. I realized that we'll leave on the GA just a week after Christmas....and now that flu/Covid/etc. etc. season is upon us, I don't want to risk getting sick just before the cruise. So DH and I will most likely self-isolate as much as we can. This is the first time we've traveled or cruised in the middle of winter, it's all new to us.

Gorgeous "Bee Balm"! I have one in a deep scarlet (don't know the full name). I hope you find a good spot for it. 🙂

Thanks Lenda! We haven't stayed at that one, I think I saw some bad reviews (?) so never have booked it. I don't blame you, sounds like a terrible night.

Lenda thanks for your comments. I'd be interested to know which airport hotel this was if you remember? Many times we'll stay in a SeaTac airport hotel if we have an early flight out in the morning. Our favorite long-time hotel was turned into a home for the homeless.

Good morning all! We're having nice September weather so far, around 70 every day and warming to the higher 70's this weekend then cooler again. No rain in the foreseeable future. 🙂 I've never cared for Salami, good thing because the sodium content is too high for me anyway. Rain and snow may not stop our mail, but for a long time our carrier just could not get the mail into the right box. Really kind of scary to have to rely on someone else to get it back to us and not just toss it! Thankfully we've had a much better carrier (a woman 😉 ) for a year or so now. Grandma Moses was an inspiration. My Grandmother also took up painting in her 70's and I actually prefer her paintings (scenic, realistic) over the folk art. Of course Grandma's paintings were only for the family, and I treasure the pieces of hers I have. The quote is good, will pass on the drink and red wine. I'm not sure if I've ever been to Philipsburg, but probably not. DH and I will start packing soon, our Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise will begin a week from tomorrow (!) It will be nice to be cruising even if it's only for a week and even if it isn't a BHB. @seagarsmoker I'm so sorry your friends had a bad experience in Seattle -- truthfully it has become an embarrassment to many of us. I would suggest nobody book a hotel downtown. I won't go downtown Seattle, and am very glad we live far enough north that it doesn't affect us. Not getting into politics, but it has gotten worse and worse. 😞 Lorraine @cruising sister I'm so sorry to hear about Baby Murphy's infection and the terrible way the surgeon treated her Mama. He was out of line. Jacqui @kazu Thank you for the photos of your pretty Hydrangeas! @Nickelpenny We have Informed Delivery too. I signed up for it because of our terrible mail carrier, LOL. That way I could see if we were getting all our mail. Lorraine @cruising sister I agree with Susan @durangoscots. Our GA roll call may be active, but right now a lot of it doesn't apply to me, and the rush for private tours has slowed down a LOT.

Good morning all! We're having a cloudy morning, but the weatherman says it will be sunny for the next 5 days, mid 60's-mid 70's. I have no appointments today, so nothing to be late for thank goodness! DH has a doctor's appt. but he's never, ever late and always early. 😂 The big box store has a decent cheese pizza, but otherwise I prefer some toppings on mine. We will celebrate day of charity by bringing some canned goods to the Food Bank today. Good quote, will pass on the red wine and drink. I'd like the meal, but not today. We were in Trieste in 2021 but unfortunately had terrible weather that day. It was raining so hard we just took a bus tour and never stepped off. 😉 Yesterday I got a much-needed hair cut, and it feels sooo good. 🙂 The DGSs will start school tomorrow -- this summer went by fast! I can't believe they're starting 3rd and 5th grades. Terry @smitty34877I'm sorry you didn't sleep well last night. For once I did sleep well, and that rarely happens -- maybe once every 7-10 days or so. I hope tonight will be better for you. Jake @Crazy For Cats I'm glad that your DM is out of ICU and in a regular room. Prayers for continued recovery. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser I hope today's neurosurgery appointment goes well and you find out when your DH's shunt will be placed. Maureen @RMLincoln Bon Voyage! Nancy @ottahand7 thank you for posting the photos of your gorgeous flowers. Annie @marshhawk I'm sorry to hear that your BIL Scott had a stroke. Prayers for a swift and full recovery. @Denise T I don't blame you for looking for a cruise sooner than 2025 -- and no, it isn't too late for next fall. When we were in Trieste in 2021 it was one of the first cruises after the shutdown, and we were sent to Trieste instead of Venice. I really would like to get back there with better weather, it was hard to see much through the raindrops on the bus windows! But I could see enough to know I'd like to see more. We couldn't venture out on our own (Italy’s rules) and we had to show our Covid vaccination cards, passports, negative test results within the past 72 hours, and a QR code sent to our email. The only tour offered was this bus tour. Obviously they didn't want us mingling with the locals! 🤣 First photo taken from our balcony. The busses are lined up waiting for excursions. Everyone had to take a tour, no DIY in Italy at that time. All the rest of the photos are taken from the bus through raindrops. Roman Theater of Trieste. Built the end of the 1st century B.C. Pillars from ancient ruins And Trieste street scenes It finally stopped raining towards the end of the tour (of course!) this is Miremare Castle.

Yikes, why did I say Laura?? So sorry! I'm glad you were able to get a few more hours of sleep 🙂

Ditto. I've come to the conclusion it's just pure luck what you get.

Good morning all! Interesting set of days today. DS was a newspaper carrier when he was in his early teens. He was conscientious-- much more than any carrier we ever had. We stopped delivery because nobody could seem to find our porch. 🙄 Yay on the white wine, even though Silverado isn't one of my favorites. I'll stick to my Marlborough SBs. The drink would be good, and I would like the last recipe for the meal today. But I don't have any ground chicken or Feta, so it will be hamburgers tonight. Something easy. We have been to Sitka, but it isn't on our Alaska cruise coming up on the 15th. Sharon @Sharon in AZ Happy Birthday to your DM! Laura @dobiemom I was up from 2-3'ish, so had just gotten to sleep when you were up. I hope you got back to sleep. Maureen @RMLincoln I'm very sorry to hear about the death of your good friend. Katherine @Lady Hudson Congratulations on the birth of your great-grandson -- I hope he can go home soon and the lung issues improve. Jake @Crazy For Cats I'm very sorry to hear about your DM's fall and hospitalization. Prayers for a full recovery. Thank you for posting the beautiful photo of the Purple Passionflower. DS is still testing negative, DDIL says it seems to be settling in her lungs now. 😞

It’s a cloudy, cool afternoon and perfect for visiting the grand kitties. I was happy to hear that even though DDIL had a rough night, her fever broke this afternoon. DS is still testing negative so far. Soot Smudge

Good morning all! Our weather has changed, I think yesterday's warmer day (81) will be our last for the year (but never say never, we just don't ever know how September will be here). It will get to the high 60's today, more clouds and right now a few blustery winds. As for cinema, DH and I like to see movies on longer cruises. Otherwise, we don't go to the cinema unless it's to take the DGSs -- twice in the last couple months. My dear Dad was on a bowling team, I "bowled" a few times with him as a child. I like skyscrapers from the ground, but don't enjoy looking down from one. Funny and true quote! I'll pass on the meal. Last night we had the Garlicky Shrimp Pasta Bake and it was a hit! I added extra garlic and added basil since I have a lot in the garden. There's enough for dinner again tonight. I'll pass on the wine, would probably like the drink, and have not been to Bali. Not a lot of plans for the day other than going to check on DD's cats. She and family are camping over the long weekend. So I'll be cuddling and playing with some (almost grown) kittens today. Bon Voyage to Jake @Crazy For Cats and Karen @luvteaching! @cruising sister Lorraine such a sad update about Baby Murphy. My prayers continue for her and all the family. @BeckettJane Welcome to the Daily! Maureen @RMLincoln Safe travels.

Thank you Lenda. I hope she has a mild case too. Other than DS, I don't think anyone else in the family has been with Kris recently, so I think the rest of us are ok. I'm glad you had a nice anniversary dinner that your DH cooked perfectly. 🙂 Those are the best anniversary dinners IMHO. 🙂

Good afternoon, I haven't gotten much done other than watering the tomato plant and picking some of the peppers. We got a text from DS telling us that DDIL tested positive this morning. 😞 So far he's testing negative -- and neither of them has had Covid before this. So far she just has a sore throat. They're super careful, but I'm starting to think when it's our turn there isn't much we can do. I'm glad now I canceled a lunch date with BFF that would have been 2 days before our cruise. It's going around a lot in the PNW.

Thank you, I agree. Hoping we hear soon, our cruise leaves Jan. 3.

Good morning all! Today will be sunny and warm (79) then cool off to the high 60's the rest of the week. I'm glad we had a beautiful day yesterday for Bruce's @aliaschief flight into Seattle and a good day today to drive to Oregon. I'm sure our cooler temps feel good! It's a good time to come before the rains start. I love bacon but it's one thing I have to avoid due to the sodium content. Once in awhile though 😉 Our DSIL and DS both have beards, DH had one years ago but looks better with just a mustache. He shaved that off a few years ago too. I love lamb (especially served on a BHB!) but will pass on the meal because we had beef souvlaki just last night (it was good). Tonight will be the Garlicy Shrimp Alfredo Bake recipe. Will pass on the drink and wine, have not been to this port. Not much on the agenda today other than the usual cruise planning and gardening. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser A very Happy Anniversary to you and your DH Steve! Maureen @RMLincoln Happy Birthday! Jacqui @kazu I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with the new treatment for your elbow. Prayers for a huge success! Terry @smitty34877 No offense from me either. Back when my dear sister had cancer, marijuana wasn't legal yet. I remember my niece sneaking edibles to her to ease her suffering (sneaking because her Dad, my sister's husband, was totally against anything like that). I hope everyone has a great day!

Good morning all! I haven't had a ginger cat since I was a teenager ("George"), but we all loved DD and DSIL's ginger cat "Parkour" RIP. I'll take a cherry popover any day but will pass on the Tofu. Funny quote! I know I would like the wine with the hint of oak, and would probably like the drink too. Have never been to Japan, will pass on the meal. Last night we had the fish tacos and they were a hit! I still prefer tacos with beef or chicken, but they were indeed good for a change. Tonight will be the Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebobs from the recipe a few days ago. Today we hope to get the blackberry vines sprayed that are behind our fence. Those and the Cottonwood trees are a problem to all of us. Most of the closest trees have been taken down, now to get rid of those vines. They pop up in my garden, just like the roots from the Cottonwoods. 😡 Happy Birthday @Cruzin Terri! Jacqui @kazu I'm sorry to hear that your elbow is worse. It's time you had some relief, I hope the visit today will provide help. Annie @marshhawk Very sorry to hear about the bad day and Chuck's further medical issues. Terry @smitty34877 I'm sorry that your DH's bloodwork remains problematic. @Nickelpenny Interesting about your port change. We're waiting to hear what they'll do for the Grand Australia/NZ in January. I wouldn't mind going to Kahului. I heard that another cruise in October will get an extra day in Honolulu. Either would work for me, I just don't want yet another sea day to replace Lahaina -- we'll have a LOT of those in January as it is. 😂 Here's a photo of Parkour when he was a kitten.

Good morning all! I hope all our Dailyites in the path of Idalia are ok. My SIL in Savannah was without power for 11 hours but otherwise just had small tree limbs down -- no damage that she's seen. It's a little too cool and showery to eat outside today, many times we pack trail mix for trips especially in Yellowstone. My Dad wrote his life memoirs (just for family). Since he lived 101 years he had a lot to tell! Funny quote, will pass on the red wine. I'd love the meal, but can't eat that much corn in one sitting (raises my blood sugar more than anything else!) I'd choose the 2nd recipe, I think, but as @dobiemom said, I don't see a recipe (?) It looks good, wish I could have it! Tonight will be the fish tacos recipe from yesterday. I'm still not feeling 100%, but happy to be holding down my food and drink. Must get over this, we leave 2 weeks from tomorrow for the Celebrity cruise. Sharon @Sharon in AZ My condolences on the passing of your aunt. Even when expected it's hard. Safe travels @Mr. Boston! Your trip and cruise sound great! Annie @marshhawk I hope Chuck's infusion today goes well. Terry @smitty34877 I hope the bloodwork today for your DH is good and that you get some help/ideas for his eating troubles. Gerry @ger_77 Very interesting about the visa requirements for Canadians. I'm sure there are some on my Nov. '24 roll call who will be affected.

I think SIL in Savannah has been without power since 4:45 pm eastern time. Thank you Terri @Cruzin Terrifor checking in!

Thank you Terri. I knew you were close to Savannah. The family is spread all around Savannah, some north and some in FL. I'm trying to keep up with them all. Stay safe.