Cruising-along

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

Thank you! Please don't go to any trouble, I was just curious if they went so far as biopsies but it doesn't sound like it. The only scan I've had so far is an ultrasound, and the kidneys looked ok on that. I agree about the diet. I can't eat a lot of meat at a time anyway so that's no hardship. Again, thank you for sharing your experience.

Wow, thank you so much. I'm really glad to hear that you're doing well. It's kind of scary not knowing what's happening, and stories like yours are so helpful. I'm not out of the woods, but at least feeling more hopeful. If you don't mind my asking, what battery of tests did you have?

Thanks Debbie. It was a positive visit. She said that the illness I had in December for 2-3 weeks definitely caused the acute injury to my kidneys since before that I was doing ok. Of course she can't make any promises, but she said it's possible to get back on track. I'm to continue doing what I'm doing (drink 64 oz water/day, exercise and avoid salt). I was happy to hear that other than salt, I don't have to change my diet drastically. We're tweaking another one of my blood pressure meds and will test in a month to see if that helps. If not, we'll try other things. So another month before I see if my labs have improved...

Good morning all! It's 38 F and raining here, all the snow has washed away. We have a lot of "old stuff" here, including us! Like others, I have treasured items that belonged to my grandparents (desks, a china cabinet, needlepoint chairs, paintings my grandmother did) that I cannot ever part with. I have moved them around the country for 40+ years. Yesterday DH took 2 large bags of clothing and several boxes of glassware to "Helping Hands", a donation center here. All but 1 of our many cats over the years have been rescue cats, and as I've posted, DD has 2 new kittens who are rescue too. One of mine was a rescue of only 10 days old (abandoned in a field). I raised her with a bottle and she lived 17 years. All my cats have been special, but that one was especially close to me. I'll pass on the meal, wine and drink. Tonight I'm going to make one of the cheesy tortellini recipes that Debbie @dfishprovided the other day. We've been to Norway but never to Trondheim. Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisersand Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiserfor the great photos. I'd love to go there some day. This afternoon I'll see the Nephrologist for the first time. I'm anxious to get answers and a plan, but also nervous. Yesterday I decided to see where the building is, since it's outside of our clinic. I was dismayed to find out that it's right downtown Everett, an area I try to avoid. There's basically no parking either. It's a nice new building, I just don't like that area. My wonderful DH has offered to drive me there and drop me off. I'll call him when I'm done. Much better! Even he doesn't want me parking in that area (if I could find a spot). Sandi @StLouisCruisersI'm so very sorry to hear about your brother's pulmonary fibrosis. Sending hugs and prayers to the family in this trying time. Terry @smitty34877Prayers that your DH's coronary issues can be easily dealt with. You certainly don't need more to worry about, I know it's hard not to. (((hugs))) Your DD's cats are all gorgeous, thanks for sharing that photo. 🙂 Vanessa @JazzyVI'm glad that your eye seems better today. Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserSo happy to hear that your DH got a good report from the surgeon. 🙂 Jacqui @kazuGo easy on that elbow 🙂 Terri @Cruzin TerriGreat news that the contractor and tilers will be out tomorrow.

So very, very sad. Is the Captain Noel O'Driscoll? If so, he's a class act, one of the best so I wouldn't be surprised he would do this.

The Orange Party is for everyone. Each cruise seems to do it differently. One cruise we were on it was very low key, just some special drinks in the BB King Lounge. Then our last cruise they had contests for who had the best "orange" costume, and it was a big party. And no, you don't have to pack orange, we never have. They have tons of orange things you can buy in the shops for it if you change your mind. Formal, or "dressy" as it's called now, can be anything from a collared shirt for the men to a tux -- coat and tie are no longer required.

Good morning all! Seems that last night was better for a lot of us. I slept right past 3 am, didn't wake up until 4 am. And then I wasn't awake too terribly long, and slept another couple hours -- so a very good night! The drink and meal both look really good. I'm just trying to decide which recipe Debbie @dfishposted looks the best. Will pass on the red wine, and we've been to Saguenay many times on a BHB. Not a lot on the agenda today, other than a hair cut and getting some things to a donation center. Our snow is still here, but the roads look good. We'll see if the garbage trucks come...they rarely make it out when we have snow. Bruce @aliaschiefHappy Birthday! @cl8ssy ch8ssisWelcome to CC and the Daily. Prayers for all who are ailing and cheers for those celebrating. Have a good day everyone! Some photos from 2012 and 2016. Love their old-time costumed greeting! And their generous helpings of blueberry pie 🙂 I also didn't turn down their gifts of chocolates as we returned to the ship later that day. One visit we rented a car and drove to the National Park. An uphill hike but beautiful. Aluminum bridge A few churches And even costumed locals in a gift shop.

Thank you! Yes, (at least for now) our itinerary shows Akaroa on March 9 (as we all know though, things can change) 😉

Maxine thank you, very much appreciated! I've added your link to my spreadsheet. 😄

Good morning all! We woke up to a couple inches of snow and it's coming down heavily -- Karen @luvteachingwe're getting it here in Lake Stevens too. We could leave our neighborhood and cross the trestle and they may have none -- so I know what you mean. We're in a convergent zone here. I've gone to the floral arranging demos on BHBs and enjoyed them. Chili sounds really good, especially on this snowy day. No thanks to public sleeping. I will go so far as to doze on a plane if it's a night time flight, but that's about it. The quote can be true, the meal sounds very yummy. I printed out the first recipe (lower carbs as Debbie @dfishsaid). Tonight we'll be having chicken salad in pita bread and salad though. That will finish up the rotisserie chicken from a few days ago. Four meals from a chicken, not bad. We'll be in Christchurch next year on the Grand Australia. Maxine @AncientWandererI'm intrigued by your mention of the Botanic Gardens. You said you took a city bus from Akaroa and it takes an hour each way? Any other info would be greatly appreciated. 🙂 Is it easy to find where to catch the bus in Akaroa? February and March seem to be my months to catch up on medical/dental appointments. After having basically no medical appointments for a year, now I have my eye exam, dental exam, bone density scan, and the Nephrologist appointment all coming up within a couple weeks. My colonoscopy is due in June, but my doctor agreed with me that the prep is NOT kidney friendly so I declined and chose Cologuard instead. Now I'm realizing that if something is found, I don't want the dehydrating colonoscopy -- oh my. The Cologuard has been ordered, I didn't think about all this until after I got home yesterday. Sandi @StLouisCruisersI was asleep around 9:30, and woke up a few minutes after 11!! Was awake until about 2.... So I missed the 3am club last night. But at least I did get back to sleep. Kudos to you for exercising today anyway! I would probably just be a lump all day. 🙂 @superomaHappy 53rd Anniversary!

Thank you both. DH did see a doctor about the cough, and they did a chest x-ray and flonase etc. When I returned home today from my Medicare Wellness Visit, he had heard back from the doctor and now has a prescription for antibiotics too. I think that's what he needed, we shall see... Sandi @StLouisCruiserswe were typing at the same time. That's cute what your 5th grade teacher said about you and your twin. I'm sure you really weren't trouble! 😄 Lenda, it's very quiet around here 🙂 DD told us she hasn't gotten much work done today (she works from home). She sent a photo to us of both kittens on her, one draped around her shoulders, the other on her lap. My appointment went well, next up will be the Nephrologist on Thursday. I have lots of questions for her. @Safety SquirrelWelcome to the Daily!

I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your Jerry. You did the right thing, hard as it is (from one of many who has had to do the same thing). Sending hugs.

Good morning all! Wow, 3 full pages already! But then I'm slightly later than usual. I slept pretty well except poor DH was up coughing a lot of the night (Covid test negative) and so we were both awake a lot. Luckily for me I was always able to get back to sleep except for the time between 2 and 4... and he wasn't coughing then! 😄 I think I've convinced him to call the doctor today because her suggestions (after chest x-ray etc. were all fine) aren't helping. If anything his cough seems worse. It was diagnosed as post nasal drip, but this seems much worse to me (but what do I know)? I like all bears, but have only seen polar bears in the zoo. Also like most retro and I guess most of my days are no brainer days lol. I would like the meal without the bun, especially the first recipe. But tonight we'll be having the rest of the big chicken pot pie I made last night. I would like the wine, I think, and the drink without the chili powder. Have not been to this port in Norway, thanks for any and all photos! Last night DD and family came and picked up the kittens to take them home. Oh those boys were happy to see their kittens! My heart about burst when each boy told me that their Nana is the best person to take care of their kitties when they're away. 🙂 I guess they got 15 inches of snow (there was none the day before) when they woke up yesterday morning at their place outside of Whistler. I wondered if they would get out of there! But DSIL had the car cleared off and it probably only delayed them by an hour or so. Sandi @StLouisCruisersthose puppies are both SO cute! Speaking as someone who recently took care of 2 sibling kittens, having 2 makes it fun to watch them play together but it also can make double the trouble as each one follows the other into places they shouldn't. These 2 play tag team it seems. 😅 Terry @smitty34877I don't know which thread you had a post removed, but sometimes if you respond to a post that was removed, all posts responding to it are removed too. It could just be something like that. I can't imagine any other reason you would have a post removed.

And don't forget the door slammers! Once I can forgive, but there's no excuse to go back and forth, back and forth every 30 seconds. We've also had neighbors (also on Celebrity) like @RedneckBobhad.

Ann, friends and family in Bellingham say they got more snow last night --- be safe.

Good morning all! The weather app shows we'll be having frozen mix/snow for the next week. I'm hoping more for frozen mix, at least that doesn't accumulate. Interesting collection of days, I'll pass on the red wine and drink and don't care for mac and cheese. Dinner today will either be left overs from the rotisserie chicken last night, or take-out. It will depend on the timing when we help transport the kittens/food/litter box home. DD's car will be full with ski equipment. We've been to Egypt but not the Valley of the Kings, so have never been to this port. I would love to see the Valley of the Kings, but most likely never will. Not a good night's sleep last night, it took forever to get to sleep. I was having symptoms of kidney issues and hope it was just late night worries getting the best of me. No problems this morning, and most days have been fine. Doctor's appointments this week, I'll find out when the next labs will be. Sandi @StLouisCruisersI always enjoy seeing your DD's seasonal tree. She's very talented! Jake @Crazy For Catsso nice of you to try to donate to the cat rescue, and that's crazy that they wouldn't accept the donation. Only allowing Friskies is being very short-sighted of them. Hugs to Jacqui @kazu, Vanessa @JazzyVand Graham @grapau27. February and March are hard months. My Mother and sister both died in February 13 years ago (the 12th and 18th) and my Dad passed March 7, 5 years ago. Winter months seem the hardest for the elderly and/or ill.

Try this, I hope it helps. This shows the cruises available on the "Time of your life" offer that has the $25 deposit. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/deals/time-of-your-life-cruise-offer/cruise-deals.html?destcode=multi_WAVE23_1&csvfilename=multi_WAVE23_1&ICID=INTHWEB20221214PHR7XFBR02&priceType=halbest

When I looked at the HAL site I see that 266 cruises are part of this deal. Is your cruise one of them?

Good morning all! I had written a fairly lengthy post only to lose it....in the meantime, dealing with kitten shenanigans and I'm late today. The funniest (?) was when Smudge, the most mischievous of the two, stuck her head into my coffee cup. Luckily the coffee wasn't hot, but I don't think she'll do that again, she did NOT like the taste of coffee. And then Soot ran to her and kept smelling her mouth, wondering what the heck she'd gotten into. 😂 Tomorrow DD will be taking them home, and our 9-day visit will be over until the next time....which could be as soon as next weekend but only a couple days that time. Like others, I'll take one of the days, and that's Open that Bottle. It isn't one I've been saving, but is another of my favorite Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. I'll pass on the red wine and drink, would like to try Debbie's @dfishlast recipe with the hamburger gravy. I admit I've never made hamburger gravy. But tonight will be a roasted chicken from Haggen. Those always last us several days. I haven't been to this port, thanks for the great photos! I slept well last night too, those nights are always SO much appreciated. We got our motorized skylight blind installed yesterday, yay! Welcome to the Daily @lvhhand @arzz! Bon Voyage to @Mr. Boston, @RMLincoln, @SusieKIslandGirl, and @Cruisercl! Annie @marshhawksending lots of gentle hugs to you and Chuck. I know how hard yesterday was. Just know you did the right thing and that he lived a long life because of how much care you gave him. My refrigerator is a Whirlpool side by side (I also don't like the freezer on the bottom). It's counter depth and exterior water and ice dispenser. DD has a freezer under the fridge and I don't know how she finds anything. I have a hard enough time finding things in my pantry. 😅 The kittens have settled down now, they've decided that this corner of my computer room is a good place to nap.

That sounds exactly like what we like to do (except we do take a short time for lunch). And you're so right, some countries we wouldn't be comfortable renting a car either. We do a combination of DIY, private and ship tours.

This is very similar to my recipe. Mine doesn't have the mustard but does have lemon juice, green onions, and a dash of hot pepper sauce.

Ann, Pat is braver than I. (I'm also allergic to all bee stings). Gorgeous cat!