Cruising-along

Good morning all! Today will get clear up to 50 degrees F, and no rain! I could hear birds singing when I got up this morning. Spring is coming! I own 2 umbrellas but rarely use them. There's a saying around here in "rain country" -- you can tell the tourists, they're the ones with umbrellas. 😄 Seriously though we do use them occasionally but I prefer just putting up the hood of my rain coat. I don't own any flannel, prefer sweat shirts and layers. Never have played cribbage. Love Lily Tomlin! Will pass on the drink and wine, most of the recipes sound delicious -- and yes, Debbie @dfishI will pass on those with cilantro! 🤣 The others sound good though. Yesterday I talked with my doctor, it was sobering. She's concerned, and said that it's possible my kidneys were damaged permanently and may never get better....She did agree that it's likely whatever I had in early December is the cause -- that plus the meds I'm on. I have an appointment to see her early Monday morning to talk more. Meanwhile I'm to stop one of my Diabetes meds and cut a blood pressure med in half. And continue drinking lots and lots of water of course. Trying to stay positive, but to tell the truth this has thrown me for a loop. Today I'll start painting the entryway downstairs. Yesterday I only got so far as prepping and taping the walls. Also have to call the dentist, because on day 10 the stitches are still in my lip. That doesn't seem right. They aren't the dissolvable type, but he said they could come out as early as a few days. Maxine @AncientWandererI sure hope you don't have what I had, and you'll be feeling better soon. Mine was all intestinal, is yours? Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiserthank you for posting your and Sandi's @StLouisCruisersvery interesting photos. Lorraine @cruising sisterI'm sorry you had such a bad night. That sounds so painful! Glad you got some pain relief.

Good (late) morning all! I guess I'm playing the waiting game too. So far I haven't heard from the doctor. Granted my test results came in late yesterday, so I'm not surprised. If I don't hear from her pretty soon I'll call this afternoon. Meanwhile I'm continuing to guzzle that water... DSIL said yesterday that one thing they should do is cut out my Metformin because one of my lab results is so low it requires cutting out that drug. As he said, it's deflating to do everything you should and still get poor results...so I'm bummed today. A1C and blood pressure are all good, this is just very puzzling to happen so abruptly. Thanks for the encouraging posts and Debbie @dfishthat's very encouraging to hear about your dear Dad's experience. We had pizza just a few days ago so will pass on that, like others I can't imagine celebrating a toothache, and no tub now to read in. We took it out and extended the shower. Will pass on the meal, drink and red wine. We've been to Athens several times and spent several days there before cruises. I won't post photos as they would be too much like those already posted. We always like going to that port! Jacqui @kazugreat news that you're out of the splint and no cast required! Hurray! Nancy @ottahand7I hope you're able to return to your own cabin today and even more I hope that the odor is gone. Paul @kochleffelvery sorry to hear about the positive Covid test. I hope your symptoms are few and mild. Sandi @StLouisCruiserssafe travels tomorrow and Bon Voyage!!

Thank you Vanessa. Yes, doctor has been keeping an eye on it with regular tests. Six months ago everything was closer to the normal range. No history of kidney stones and no new meds (although I'm guessing they will decrease/take away some I'm on).

Thank you Lenda, Vanessa and Sandi. Unfortunately the test results show the kidney function is even worse. 😞 This is so puzzling and maddening. Six months ago they were fine. The only change is how sick I was in Nov-Dec. I'm sure I'll be hearing from my doctor before the day is over. Meanwhile our DSIL (the PA) has been peppering me with texts and questions. So glad today is his day off, LOL. I had a wonderful time with BFF, and it was good to have her support and prayers when the results came in by email.

Good morning all! We actually will have a dry day here today -- amazing, since yesterday/last night the rain and hail came down so hard it sounded like it would come through the roof. Crazy! Both the grandsons are in Boy Scouts and their dad (DSIL) is their pack leader. I love to see kites flying, and my DBIL is an opera NUT. That is no exaggeration. He's in Europe most of the year and goes to operas every single day. He's always been a little bit different... 😉 I like the quote and drink, the wine is one of my favorites. I think I'll make the meal (not today though) because DH loves honey mustard. Not sure I'd like it, but it's worth a try. This morning I have an appointment for a blood test to see if there's any improvement in my kidney labs taken 2 weeks ago. I've been drinking more than the half-gallon of water/day my doctor told me to do, so I sure hope so. I will leave right from the clinic to meet BFF for lunch mid-way between our homes. I haven't seen her in months, so really looking forward to that. Terry @smitty34877That's wonderful that you were able to sleep 6 hours straight last night. Very sorry about your cousin's son's good friend. Prayers for his family. Katherine @Lady HudsonCongratulations on the weight loss! Lorraine @cruising sisterbest wishes for a successful surgery tomorrow and swift recovery. Joy @Seasick SailorI hope you hear from your doctor soon so you can get some kind of treatment. That sounds so painful!

Good morning all! I slept better last night (meaning that I was able to get back to sleep quickly after waking up a lot during the night). Any night I'm not awake 1-3 hours is a good night! In my case a full moon has nothing to do with it, since it happens all the time. No stress right now either, just the way I am. 🤷‍♀️ I try to send out birthday cards and always send Christmas cards -- today I should buy some Valentine cards for the grandsons. Always wave to my neighbors (with my whole hand) 😅 and other than Nutcracker Suite I've never been to a ballet. Will pass on the drink and red wine, the first recipe looks good. In fact I may have some in the freezer....better check! Never have been to this port. Today I need to get my hair cut, and pick up those cards and a few other things. Yes Debbie @dfishthe painting upstairs is done. I'm taking a couple days off before doing the entryway downstairs. Wouldn't you know, we bought a gallon of paint and I didn't need it...I'm sure I'll find something else that needs painting lol. I woke up to the good news that DD's family has been accepted to adopt the kitten siblings and they can get them this week. 🙂 Of course I'll get down there asap to meet them! Also they will be staying with us for about 10 days total the end of this month while DD and family are away. She didn't have to twist my arm....😄 @Cruzin TerriBon Voyage!! Roy @rafinmdI'm glad you slept well last night. Sleep is the best healer. Gerry @ger_77what a thoughtful gesture for your friend who lost her husband and is now going through radiation treatments. Debbie @dfishI hope the appointment with the surgeon goes well today. @tupper10Prayers that the antibiotics and drain work. So sad about the death and wounding of the police officers. And sad that it's happening more and more.

That's great! We like Oyster Bay. As Rich said, we'll be on the Volendam for the Grand Australia. We'll be in NZ March 6-14, 2024. Nice to know you'll be there too! Have you joined the roll call? It's pretty active with tours being planned already. Edited to say I see you are on the roll call 🙂 It's so large I missed it!

We will be with "Crazy Rich" on the Grand Australia. Volendam January 3-April 6, 2024. Thanks Jacqui!

Thank you for responding. I see that the Hawkes Bay area is the 2nd largest wine region in NZ, so that is most likely what we'll do. (and pick up some Marlborough wines in a grocery store). 😄

Thanks Bruce, Google is my friend. 🙂 https://www.waihekeunlimited.co.nz/waiheke/vineyards/ It looks like that area is known for its reds -- is that what you found? We drink only whites, preferably Sauvignon Blanc.

I have a question for @erewhonor anyone else who can help 🙂 I've been obsessing over our time in New Zealand on the Grand Australia '24 and wine. 😉 As I've mentioned before, DH and I love, love, love the Marlborough SV's. Unfortunately it doesn't look like any of our ports will be near that region....our ports will be: Port Chalmers (Dunedin), Akaroa (Christchurch), Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland. Any advice on which port may be best for something similar to the Marlborough wines? Oh and we only drink whites. Thank you for any advice!

I have been wondering too.

Good morning all! Apparently several of us had a hard time sleeping last night. I slept from 9:30'ish-1:30 and then was awake until well after 3am. I even checked CC, figuring Sandi @StLouisCruisershad started the Daily, and sure enough, there it was with 2 posts. 😉 I thought of popping in and saying "HI" but went back to bed and slept until after 8:30! Crazy, but lately I seem to do my best sleeping early and late, just not between 2-5'ish. I like frozen yogurt but prefer ice cream. No comment on lame ducks, and chopsticks is something I never mastered. The meal sounds yummy, not sure what we'll be having tonight. Last night was take-out, I painted for 6 hours and was tired. Today I have 2 more walls and then will be done for now. I'll pass on the drink and wine. We've never been to Belgium, but it's somewhere I really want to go. Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisersand Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiserfor the great photos. DD told us that they have found 2 kitten siblings they hope to adopt, so I'm excited! She said they could have them by this weekend. I'll be happy to have kitties in the family again and I know the boys are excited. They really miss their cats Nimbus and Parkour. They fed/pet every cat they saw when they were in Thailand recently. Maybe I'll have kitten photos to share soon. 🙂 Brenda @bennybearMy sincere condolences on the death of your aunt. Roy @rafinmdgood news that you slept better last night! Joy @Seasick Sailorhoping nothing is broken, let us know. @cruising sisterWelcome home but ouch about the fall! And sorry to hear your iPad is missing. Debbie @dfishHappy to hear your DB's surgery went well. Thinking and praying for the poor people in Turkey.

LOL! You got it! I like them more than he does, but I don't love them either.

Good morning all! I won't be showering with a friend, don't have a jerk to dump, but do depend on weather reports a lot. The quote is funny, will pass on the drink but will take any NZ SV so would like to try this one. We aren't huge fans of brussel sprouts, but would probably like Debbie's recipes, so maybe as a side dish in small amounts. We've been to Ireland a couple times but never to Waterford. Thanks for all photos! Today the painting continues, I hope to get the upstairs finished. And as usual now I'm looking at what else I can paint. 😂 There's one area downstairs that could use a fresh coat. Ann @cat shepardmy deepest condolences on the death of your nephew Matt. Laura @dobiemomBon Voyage! Roy @rafinmdI'm sorry you didn't sleep as well last night. Hoping you can nap today. @ottahand7Yikes on the burst pipe! Glad to hear you were able to move to different cabins, I hope yours will be livable before too long. Scares me, as we're booked for 94 days on the Volendam in January....24 years old. @GTVCRUISERBon Voyage! Joy @Seasick SailorI hope too that nothing is cracked -- good that you're going for x-rays.

It took a couple days before I got the email from Amber with the link to join. I was hesitant, but then after reading some of the posts on the survey thread I went ahead and joined. It definitely is legit.

I got it too and joined tonight.

Well shoot! I wish you could be joining us too! Enjoy your cruise too. 🙂

That is strange, Maureen. I had no problem with that part, but the email from "Amber" has me wondering...Please let us know if you hear from "Amber" (or you may hear from some other name). 😄 Thanks Lenda, I'm taking a lunch break from painting. I'm not as fast as Debbie @dfishbut I've made a good start. I agree, Maureen's experience has me even more leery than I was already.

Good morning all! No ice cream here to eat for breakfast, and good as it sounds, I shouldn't anyway! The meal sounds good to me, especially the last recipe. I just need to see if I have any Bisquick because it isn't something I usually have on hand. I'd like the wine if someone else is buying, pass on the pumpkin spice drink. Yesterday I got all the walls taped and prepped, furniture moved, and ready to start painting today. Can't back out now! DH also got more paint, because I think I'll do the guest bathroom right off that area too. A few days ago I got an email from what looked like it really was from HAL, I'll post it below. What do you think? I said I would do it, (sending no private info). It then said I would hear from someone about the group and then a day or two later got an email from "Amber" to join this group giving opinions. Something just seems off to me, why "Amber" and not someone's whole name if they are in fact with HAL? What do you think? Dear CAROLYN, As a valued Holland America Line guest, you're invited to join the private Holland America Line insider community! Participation in the online community offers a unique opportunity to regularly share your thoughts and opinions with Holland America. It is a space for you and other guests to provide feedback through polls and surveys, test new ideas to improve the guest experience, and participate in your own discussions with like-minded guests. It is an opportunity to exchange comments about your experiences and initiate ideas about the latest in cruising and travel with Holland America Line. Please click the survey link below to express your interest in participating. We hope you'll join us! TAKE THE SURVEY Sincerely, Holland America Line This email may install a cookie or similar technology. For information about our use of cookies, please consult our privacy policy. Please add Holland America to your address book or safe sender list. Unsubscribe | Contact Us | Legal and Privacy © 2001 – 2021 Holland America Line N.V., 450 Third Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119 www.hollandamerica.com And this came from "Amber". Has anyone heard of Crowdstack?? Invitation to Join Holland America Line Private Community You've been invited by Amber to join the Crowdstack listed below. Message From Amber Thanks for your interest in the Holland America Line insiders community. Just follow the instructions here to get started. We can't wait to meet you! Holland America Line Private Community [ JOIN NOW ] Holland America Line Private Community Please do not reply to this email. Terry @smitty34877that's great news that Tana's appetite is coming back. Joy @Seasick SailorOh no on the fall! I hope the pain isn't too bad and goes away before long. Roy @rafinmdSo glad to hear you had a better night! Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserThank you thank you and your DH for the Green Comet photo. As always, our clouds rolled in the day before the comet became visible so I really appreciate this.

We did the same, I think it was a Celebrity cruise. A must for any Beatles fan! I remember several of us posted our photos when Liverpool was the port of the day. The good ones sure do, as you and I both know! 🙂 I looked back to see when that photo was taken. It was a long time ago, 2013! Once a Beatles fan, always a Beatles fan!

I don't know why it's so hard for HAL to get regular pods for these machines. Like others have said, we were only given espresso pods on our cruise, and were told they couldn't get regular. Sure we could get coffee from the Neptune Lounge, but I'm not going to go in my robe, and I like coffee before getting dressed. I know, 1st world problem but if you pay for a Neptune Suite (which we don't usually do) you should be able to get full use of it. Off my soap box now. 😉

Wow!! This should be framed -- absolutely gorgeous!

Oh yes, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass....my parents too. I had a scrap book of the Beatles (still have it) and I inadvertently covered the "s" in scrap book with a photo or something. My Dad laughed SO hard that I had a "crap book" of the Beatles. 😂 But that same man is the man who drove me and a friend to the Beatles concert and sat waiting in the parking lot for us. He said he could hear the screaming from there 😉

Good morning all! Even as a child I never liked bubble gum -- I just didn't like the flavor. My neighbor had a bird feeder but stopped using it because the squirrels used it more than the birds, made a mess, and she had weeds all under the feeder in her flower beds. Such a sad day when the music died. I was quite small but do remember. I like the quote, will pass on the meal (even smoked salmon gets a pass from me), and wine but the drink sounds good. I've been to San Francisco many times because we lived in the Bay Area when I was a teen. In fact my first date with DH was in San Francisco and it's also where I saw the Beatles in concert when I was 14. Also have been there a few times on cruises. Sandi @StLouisCruisers I agree SO much about the good old days. It's a whole other thing there now 😞 I'm looking forward to having a normal dinner tonight, but don't know yet what that will be. Two days of soups and scrambled eggs gets old fast. 😉 Mouth is still sore, but as long as I stay away from spicy foods it should be ok. Today is the day to start that painting. Debbie @dfishputs me to shame, I've procrastinated long enough! But it's supposed to rain for the next week -- no gardening and no more excuses! Melissa @HAL Sailermy deepest condolences. Even when it's expected, it's never, ever easy. Nancy @ottahand7thank you for your photos! I'm wondering how your chairs on the balcony stayed in place with 90 mph winds?! Annie @marshhawkyou're such a good kitty mama. So hard when our pets get older and have problems. Roy @rafinmdI'm glad that you'll be getting regular check-ins, thank you for sharing your pastor's email. Here are some of my photos from different Pacific Coast cruises. One time we took a tour to Alcatraz. Approaching "The Rock" View of the San Francisco skyline from Alcatraz Cable car stop "Gimme some chocolate and nobody gets hurt" Parasailing Ghirardelli Square Under the Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge at sunset Sea lions at Pier 39