Cruising-along

Good morning all! I'm going to have to pop in and back out quickly, running late this morning. Last night I was awake from 3 am until after 5 am. 😞 When I finally got back to sleep I slept until 9!! Unheard of for me, but glad I did. Now I'm rushing to leave for a lunch get together with my BFF. Will catch up on all the posts later today, I hope everyone has a great day!

Good morning all! When my dear Dad passed and I was going through his boxes of old photos, it spurred me to join Ancestry.com. I've traced my Mom's side back to 1600's France, but only to the 1800's on my Dad's side in England and Germany. I'm afraid I'm not consistent on looking at the site, too many other things have gotten in the way. I was never in Girl Scouts, but was a Blue Bird in Campfire. Yesterday I bought some Iris bulbs when we were at Costco, I think I'll plant them in one of my pots and also need to get some Sweet Pea seeds planted that I have. Those will be started inside, it's a little cold to plant into the ground yet. Perfect day to do that since it's Plant a Flower Day! The Goulash looks very good, especially the first recipe. But since it stresses to use only Hungarian paprika and I would have to find/order that, I won't be making it. I remember when I was probably about 6, we had a neighbor who was Hungarian. She gave me some Goulash one day after school -- being only 6, I remember thinking it was a strange thing to eat because it was new to me. I'm sure it was authentic Hungarian and probably the spices were foreign to me then. Interesting that I still remember that. I would probably love it now. Will pass on the drink, but the wine sounds good. Tonight we'll be having salmon. DH and I must be in the minority, Daylight Saving Time has never bothered us. Especially since retiring. 🤷‍♀️ Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserHappy Birthday!! @Overhead FredHappy Birthday to Mitzi! Sandi @StLouisCruisersI was SO happy to hear that your DB will get 100% funding for the meds. Great news!! @Lady HudsonBon Voyage! Karen @luvteachingI'm sorry to hear that your DH is back in the hospital, but glad he's doing better. Vanessa @JazzyVcondolences on the death of your friend's sister.

Good afternoon all! I wasn't able to get onto Cruise Critic all morning, not on my computer anyway -- on my phone I could, but decided to wait it out (too much trouble on the phone). So it had to be Comcast (as usual), not Cruise Critic at least for me. In honor of Johnny Appleseed I'm having a sliced up apple w/peanut butter for lunch. 😄 Never cared for fanny packs, I call them a pickpocket's delight. I like my belongings where I can see them. Will also pass on the meal, drink and wine. Tonight's dinner will be chicken salad and garlic bread. Slept pretty well last night, at least I was able to get right back to sleep every time I woke up (and that was a lot). The only plans for today are to go to Costco. A new one opened up only a couple miles from us, and I haven't been there yet. DH says they have reading glasses (3 pair) for well under $20. My pair broke yesterday, and this way I can have a pair upstairs, a pair downstairs, and a pair in my purse LOL. With one pair they always seemed to be where I was not. 😉 Welcome home Maureen @RMLincolnbut I'm sorry you aren't well and hope it isn't Covid. My deepest condolences on the death of your dear cousin. Debbie @dfishPlease tell Sue Happy Birthday from us. 🙂 What, you didn't bake her cake yourself?? Bruce @aliaschiefthe "Uncle Mike" meme made me take a double-take. He looks just like my nephew Mike who is visiting his niece and nephew now. 😅 They do love him, he's great with the kids, but somehow I can also see him doing something like this. 🤣 @TiogaCruiservery sorry to hear about the leak! @AardvaarkWelcome to the Daily! @RedneckBobOMG you're rocking it today. I have tears running down my face I'm laughing so hard!

I'd be happy to! We're excited too. 🙂

Yes!!! We're in 7138. I'll have a birthday during the cruise, on a sea day. 🙂 And I always wished mine was spelled Ann. 🤣

Good morning all! The rain is back, I'm glad I got out to the garden yesterday for a bit. I think everyone here is awesome. My day so far has been awesome too (I agree, it's an overused word). Debbie @dfishand Maxine @AncientWandererwe booked the South America/Antarctica cruise for 2025! 🙂 Debbie I don't know if you saw that Maxine and I were discussing it a couple days ago. My middle name is Anne. I don't know, but the fact that Princess Anne was born 5 months before I was may have had something to do with that choice. Maxine @AncientWandererI also have a little red phone booth in my village. I'll pass on the drink, red wine and meal. Tonight will be stuffed peppers. Sandi @StLouisCruisersprayers for your DB. I hope today is a better day for him. Roy @rafinmdYay about the good night's sleep! Debbie @dfishI don't blame you for wanting to get that surgery over with. And oh my about the handyman yesterday. The fact that he got paid by the hour had a lot to do with his pokiness I'm sure. Lorraine @cruising sisterI'm so sorry to hear about the death of your good friend. Especially sad that she died from the same cancer that your DH had. 😞

We spent a month on the NS (my favorite ship) October-November and had absolutely no complaints. Two of the best cabin stewards we've ever had (and we've had amazing stewards). Food was great IMO. Can you elaborate? What were your problems on that ship?

Thank you Lenda. The doctor is sending him to a physical therapist. Apparently there are also shots he could get that stop the pain signals up to a year (I'm probably not saying that right). So yes, no surgery!

No problem Sandi! I thought that may be what you were thinking. 😄 Yay! Today is pretty busy, but hope to book it either later today or tomorrow. Really want to do this. 🙂

Good morning all! (still morning here) 😉 I never had a Barbie, didn't really want one. I was more into my (live) pets, not dolls. My best friend had one though, even though I thought we were past the age for dolls 😅 Not quite sure about "get over it" and will try not to panic today or any day. Will pass on the drink, wine and meal. Tonight will be baked sole, salad and baked potatoes. Apia is on our itinerary for the Grand Australia next year. Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisersfor the great photos! I see that there weren't any last time it was the port of the day, so very much appreciated today. We have another rain-less day, so I'll try to get out in the garden. High is supposed to be 50. Other than that, not much on my agenda. DH has an appointment to see a specialist about his back and possible surgery. Roy @rafinmdSo glad you slept better last night! I hope everyone has a great day.

DH just checked, it would be $1200. Thinking about this!

Even more reason I want to book it now!

Oh Debbie..... We've been thinking of the Antarctic for a few years, in fact had one booked and then switched to the Grand Australia for next year. We may just join you and Sue on this... How much of a deposit do they want?

Good morning all! Will pass on being nasty. Don't we have too much of that every day? I just sent happy Women's Day messages to our DD and DDIL. Proofreading....probably my biggest pet peeve (besides nasty people). It's so easy to proofread before hitting "send" but more and more don't bother to do that. Ok, off my soap box! 🙂 The quote is a good one, will pass on the meal, drink and red wine. I would like the last recipe IF I omitted the mushrooms...is that allowed since it's a main ingredient?? 🤣 We went to St. John's on the VOV in 2018 and had a very nice day. Photos below. Terry @smitty34877What wonderful news about the aide starting on Monday and also the encouraging visit with the 2nd specialist! Sending gentle hugs to Jacqui @kazu We were in St. John's in 2018 on the Voyage of the Vikings. We took an all-day tour that day. This is a photograph I bought while there. And my photo of Fort Amherst, a similar view minus the iceberg! We went to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. The oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland We went to Petit Harbor, a fishing village Petit Harbor And Cabot Tower Looking down on our ship (the old Rotterdam) from the tower And the city of St. John's A friendly Newfie we saw in St. John's Mallard Cottage, oldest house in Newfoundland now a restaurant We visited Quidi Vidi And had lunch at the Shamrock City Pub where we had fish & chips and beer made from the water of icebergs

Yes, HAL will charge the full price to your credit card and you will get 50% back as OBC onboard. But make sure you watch your statement to be sure you get it. We usually have no problem, but it does happen. Enjoy your 4-star perks!

Or you can sign up for it before your cruise. Here's some more information. Scroll down a little and you'll see the section about Luggage Direct. https://maketraveleasier.com/holland/services

Back from my Diabetic eye exam, and happy that everything looked very good. (finally a doctor's appointment with no bad news) 😅 No glaucoma, and the cataracts are no worse than last year and not bad enough for surgery yet. Eyes are still dilated but inside the house it isn't bad. Brenda @bennybearWelcome home and thank you for the lovely photos over the past few weeks. Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserI would love to emulate my dear Dad too but so far I seem to be following in my Mother's footsteps with the Diabetes and high blood pressure. Dad's sister also lived to 100, amazing! Sharon @Sharon in AZYour Mom is another one who doesn't look her age. I love it how she takes great interest in her shopping!

We have used it a few times and will again. It's a great service.

Good morning all! Well after 3 good nights, it caught up with me and last night I was a member of the 3am club and many other hours too. I knew it would come, but those good nights were wonderful! I have my yearly eye exam this morning, and of course my eyes are tired. 😉 We like cereal here, especially Cheerios with fruit and Raisin Nut Bran (so much yummier than Raisin Bran)! Crown Roast Pork sounds yummy too, but if someone else makes it. A big salute to the Peace Corps! My Dear Dad is a perfect example of quality of life and longevity. Today is the 5th anniversary of his passing at the young age of 101. He looked and acted more like an 80-year-old, even his doctors couldn't believe his age. We miss him dearly. I'll pass on the drink and wine. The meal looks good but wouldn't be good for me (too much sodium, even with low sodium soy sauce). We've been to Norway but never Ulvik. Terry @smitty34877I hope your DH's consultation with the cardiologist goes well today and also that you find a new aide for Tana soon. Dixie @summer slopeGreat news that Bailey is doing well!! @RedneckBobHappy Birthday to you! It was a good day when you decided to join us, regaling us with your humor. Debbie @dfishSo glad you slept better last night. Hope your CT scan goes well today. @Cruzin Terri Hope you feel better soon. I agree, all that work would most likely be the cause of the pain. Annie @marshhawkDarn it about your employers not taking out the proper taxes! Have a great day everyone! I'll try to check back when my eyes become undilated. 😄

Good morning all! We have bright sunshine this morning and 33 degrees F. The forecast is still saying a week of snow/frozen mix/rain for the week, but none of that looks likely this morning. I'm a week late for dentist day, my 6-month checkup is next week. I like our dentist, he's always joking around and also very interested in hearing about our cruises 🙂 Trouble is, someone always says something really funny when I have my mouth full of dental gadgets and it's hard not to laugh! We have a freezer full, so I guess you could say we do eat frozen food but I try to use fresh vegetables and fruit. Love Oreos but can't have them in the house for the same reason as Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser. I like George Burns, but thought the quote was kind of sad. After having our son live across the country for so many years, it's great to have him nearby. And having our DD and the grandchildren close is priceless. Will pass on the drink, but the wine sounds wonderful. I do love a good white blend. I see that our local Total Wine has it for $37. Also love fried rice, but it isn't good for me. When I do make it, I use bacon, eggs, green onions, maybe peas, but have most of the veggies on the side. Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers, Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser, Roy @rafinmdand Bruce @aliaschieffor the photos of Auckland today. We're looking forward to seeing it ourselves on the Grand Australia. I think I'll pass on going to the top of the Sky Tower. 😳 Debbie @dfishI'm sorry you had a rough night last night! Sure hope tonight will be better. Sandi @StLouisCruisersWonderful news about your blood tests! @Mtn2SeaNO way! But good for you!! The birds are singing here and flowers are emerging. Can't wait for spring! Here's some of the Hellebore after being covered by snow last week.

Sandi @StLouisCruisersand Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserI have also been worried about @St. Louis Saland always admired her too. I hope she's ok. Sharon @Sharon in AZ I also had a grandmother named Helen! But my other grandmother and my mother's names were worse! Sandi @StLouisCruisersI have a cousin who married a Charlene too, and my next door neighbor's daughter's name is Charlene. Both wonderful women! Laura @kpladyhow exciting to be leaving soon for your Australia-NZ cruise! Will you be posting here while you're gone? Several of us are booked on the Grand Australia in January and would love to hear about the ports and cruise. 🙂 Well it's about time to gather up the kittens, all their things, and head to DD's house. They've worn themselves out and are sound asleep now, of course!

Good morning all! I'm sure that these kittens have multiple personalities. 🤣 Lots of interruptions this morning because of their shenanigans. It will be very quiet here after we return them to DD this afternoon. 😉 DH was named after his maternal grandfather, and his middle name is his mother's maiden name. I wasn't named after anyone, but 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild were named after my Dad. The drink and wine sound good, and the meal sounds very good but I would have to do it in the crock pot. Tonight we'll be having the glazed pork chops in the crock pot that was the meal a few days ago. We've never been to the port today. @ger_77Gerry how sweet what your DGS Parker said to his Dad. Just makes your heart melt, doesn't it? Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserHappy Birthday to your DH!

Good morning all! We're getting some of that "frozen mix" this morning, 36 degrees F. Great collection of days today! I'll give my GI a hug (DH was in the Army when we got married) then went on to retire from the Navy. I'll pass on the drink but would like the wine and meal. Unfortunately for now anyway, chili is on my no-no list (too much sodium) but I do love it and it sounds so good right now. We've been to San Juan twice, the last time was just 4-5 months ago. Yesterday we picked up the kittens from DD's house and will have them for the weekend while DD and family are skiing. Now they both are on antibiotics, but thankfully it's been easy to administer because they both love their can food and lick their bowls clean. It seems that several of us have kids who love their skiing. DD and DSIL are thrilled that both boys love it as much as they do, and are getting quite good at it. Here's a photo from their last ski trip. I appreciate the photos today of Jupiter and Venus because with our cloudy skies we can't see them. Safe travels and bon voyage Todd @TAW1963! Dixie @summer slopeprayers that the prednisone can help your kitty. Lorraine @cruising sisterwhat a wonderful tribute the snare drum line did at your DS' Celebration of Life. The first time we went to San Juan was in January of 2017 on the Koningsdam. It must not have been as hot as it was this past October on the Nieuw Statendam, because that day we walked about 5 miles to two forts, San Cristobal and Del Morro. We couldn't have done that this last trip, much too hot and humid that day. It was much cooler at the El Yunque Rain Forest, so glad we took that tour last October.

Very nice, I love it! I'm thinking DD would like to have that bee-keeping operation, she raises mason bees. 😄

Good morning all! Our forecast shows a week of "frozen mix". I think it's our weatherman's latest favorite description. It covers it all, sleet, hail, you name it. A big salute to all caregivers, and we have many on the Daily. I want everyone to be happy too, and oh my what if pets had thumbs. Our first cat was so long he could stand on his hind feet and open doors, but none of our other pets could. That cat also played "fetch", so he was a bit unusual. I'll pass on the drink and meal. Tonight will be leftovers from the cheesy tortellini we had last night. Debbie @dfishit was a big hit and DH gave it 2 thumbs up. Cheesy it is, yum. I may be in the minority, but I prefer a little bit of oak in my chardonnay. So I think I'd like the wine today. We've been to Charlottetown twice, in 2012 and 2016. It's a pleasant town and easily walkable. The first time we rented a car and drove to Anne of Green Gables, and the 2nd time we just wandered around town and spent some time in Beaconsfield House. I was awake last night from midnight until at least 2 (isn't it something to wake up, thinking it has to be at least 5am, to find out you've been asleep only a couple hours??) Dixie @summer slopeI'm so sorry your kitty is having problems. Prayers that it will be easily treatable. Terry @smitty34877I'm so glad the CT showed good news. Charlene @cunnorlYour daughter is lovely, thanks for sharing the photo. Vanessa @JazzyVthat must have been so scary when you couldn't breathe last night. I hope it never happens again. Ann @Vict0riannI'm so sorry your DD and DH both are having health problems. Glad you had a good time in Bellingham. Here are my photos from our 2 visits to Charlottetown. In 2012 we rented a car and drove to Anne of Green Gables. Anne's bedroom Dining room Pantry/kitchen We took a long walk around the grounds and through the woods. The second visit was in 2016 and we stayed in town, walked around, and visited the Beaconsfield House. It was erected in 1877, presented to PEI by the government of Canada in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of its joining the Canadian Confederation. Original hardware View of the Veendam We had excellent lobster rolls for lunch