Cruising-along

Thank you, very helpful! IF it isn't a hot day we may hoof it up the hill. But most likely it will be hot, so good to know about the shuttle. 🙂

Good morning and Happy First Day of Spring! Today (and the next week) will be much cooler than the past few days and much wetter -- so happy spring to us! 😉 Ten degrees cooler than our "heat wave" of the last few days. Interesting collection of days. I'll pass on the meal and red wine, the drink might be good. We'll be in Geraldton on the Grand Australia -- thank you Charlene @cunnorlfor the photos! Good to know it's a walkable town. Last night was "one of those nights". I slept from 10-11:30 and then was awake for 3 hours. 😕 So I'm dragging a bit today. @TAW1963Thank you for the photos from your cruise. We love an aft-facing cabin! I'm glad you decided to keep HAL in your line-up of future cruises. Terry @smitty34877I'm very sorry you had a rough night. Tina @0106Thank you for stepping up and posting the recipes as Debbie @dfishhas her surgery. Paul @kochleffelI'm so very sorry that your Junior Cat Sasha has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. She was a lucky kitty to have you.

Good morning all! Today will be our last "warm" day, up to 63! Then cooler again and rain. So I'll be getting outside to enjoy this while it lasts, maybe go to a nursery to buy some plants. 🙂 DH and I laugh every day, and cheers for certified nurses and poultry. I'd try the drink, pass on the red wine, and the meal sounds yummy. We had spaghetti and meatballs last night, so too much like this meal. No idea yet what will be our dinner tonight. DH has a meeting today with the Mariners, and will begin working the season. I plan to have fun in the garden. @seagarsmokerEnjoy the NS and your cruise! Nancy @ottahand7and Linda @lindalerWelcome home!

Hello again. The boys did well at the derby car race. Foster got 4 firsts, Shep got 1 first and 3 seconds. They both did best in their dens. We went past the HAL event in Seattle but didn’t stop in because the parking was full. We went last year so no big loss. The gorgeous sunshine must have brought everyone out today. Lots of folks out in Seattle!

Good morning all! Today we'll be watching the grandsons do their derby car race with the Scouts. Afterwards we may go into Seattle to HAL's Alaska Cruise & Travel Show. We went last year and it was entertaining, so we'll see if we decide to go again. We may just pop in and enter the "win a cruise" and head back home... Yesterday's neighbor-lady firepit gathering went very well, we chatted for almost 4 hours. It was warm enough (low 60's) that we almost didn't need the fire, but agreed it added some ambiance lol. As always, people walking by stop and chat too, so a good way to meet new people in the neighborhood. Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserI wonder if we were on the same cruise in 2015? We were on a 2-week South America cruise out of Lima on the Statendam. I believe it left Lima on March 30. We didn't stay Corinto, we took a tour to a rum factory that day. We enjoyed that 18-year-old rum for many years. 😉 Corinto and local volcano The one we bought is on the far right here.

Good to know! Thanks Sharon.

Good morning and Happy St. Patrick's Day! I don't care for corned beef or cabbage, so will pass on that. Cured meats are off limits for me now anyway even if I did like it. The closest I've been to a submarine is DH was the Supply Officer on a Sub-Tender in the Navy. Some of our very good Navy friends were on subs. I never was in Girl Scouts, but my DM worked in the Girl Scout office for awhile when I was small. I love halibut and all the recipes but would leave out the olives. Will pass on the drink and red wine, have never been to Japan. Today will be the warmest yet of the year, up to a whopping 61! So I've invited the neighbor ladies to come sit by our firepit to catch up on everyone's lives. I've never gotten such quick responses! I think we're all ready for winter to be over. Something funny happened early this morning. I was woken up by a loud bumping noise coming from downstairs. Of course DH slept soundly all through it -- and all I could think was thank goodness for the home security alarm, because it couldn't be anyone in the house or the alarm would have gone off. I ventured downstairs, the sound got louder, and then I saw it. The Eufy robovac was bumping into the treadmill and everything else in the family room, directly under our bedroom. I don't know how long it had been doing this. Apparently when I used it briefly yesterday I pushed the "scheduled cleaning" button by accident. 😂 Jacqui @kazuYay about booking the cruise! Debbie @dfishWow about the big, black hairy thing! Was it upright like Sasquatch or on all fours like a bear? Lorraine @cruising sisterAdorable grands! Terri @Cruzin TerriI'm glad your DH is ok after his fall. That had to be so scary. We know very well about Savannah and St. Patrick's Day, Savannah is DH's hometown. Katherine @Lady Hudson I'm glad that your DH is ok after his fall!

Debbie @dfish I'm so glad your day turned out better than expected! It's good that you questioned the taxes and the insurance-- it pays to speak up! We've had a good day too, back from the dentist and neither of us needs any work done. Yippee!

Good morning all! Woke up to a frosty morning and hope this was the last of it. I'm looking forward to tomorrow when it's supposed to get up to the low 60's! All 3 days are good today. I don't like the quote either, the meal sounds great (I too would leave off the brown sugar in the first recipe), pass on the drink but Nobilo is my wine of choice many nights on a BHB. I have some here in the house -- along with many other Marlborough SB's. Sandi @StLouisCruisersI wouldn't like having sticker bushes over my flowers...why have the flowers if you can't see them? I'd rather find some other way to keep munchers away. Today both DH and I have appointments for dental check ups and cleaning. Not much else on the agenda other than the usual cruise planning. @seagarsmokerSafe travels to Florida and Bon Voyage! Enjoy the NS -- my favorite ship. Laura @kpladySafe travels to Australia! Debbie @dfishI'm sorry you've had the hassles with both the county assessor and with Aetna. Yikes that they would take back their approval!!

Thanks Sharon. So you just kept trying over and over until it went to the right segment? It's crazy how it tries to go to something already paid off. In our case, on the third try it came up with the error message. 😞

As long as you don't book something leaving before that cruise you'll be ok! (just kidding!) I do wonder what would have happened if we had no other bookings though. It insisted on making a payment to an earlier cruise (that is already paid off). I don't think it had anything to do with gift cards though because DH didn't even get past "make a payment" when it happened.

Good afternoon everybody, I have a question for anyone who has made a payment on a cruise lately. We've decided to make payments on the Grand Australia and pay it off by June 1 to save 3%. We have a pile of gift cards from both HAL and AARP. DH planned to make the payments online himself instead of bothering anyone at HAL. When he tried making a payment, even though he went through the correct booking, it instead took him directly to our next cruise (which is already paid off). That happened several times. Then instead of that, he got a "Bad Request" error message. Just wondering if anyone has heard if HAL is having a problem with that part of their website. He got it done by calling and giving all the gift card numbers over the phone, so the first payment is done at least. It took awhile but done.

Perfect, thanks so much!

Good morning! Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, but today seems to want to hang onto winter...it's supposed to get down top 29F tonight and "frozen mix" forecast for today. Then up to 60 on Friday and Saturday. I got all my seeds planted inside yesterday -- come on spring! Buzzards made me think of last year when we got to our hotel in North Carolina -- and the roof was covered with buzzards. Very strange to see that, we don't see them here. DH asked the gal at check in if we should be worried about that! There were a few on other rooftops, but most of them were on this hotel. 😅 I'll pass on the meal (I like salmon but not coconut or curry). We had salmon the other night with a lime marinade I make sometimes. Also will pass on the drink and wine. We'll be in Adelaide next year, thank you for all the photos! Sandi @StLouisCruisersOuch about the run-in with the door last night! I hope your nose is ok. A big congratulations to Ren!! And yes, the bubbles are definitely brighter blue. Charlene @cunnorlWe may want to do what you did in Adelaide -- do you remember if the train was walking distance from the port? Gerry @ger_77DH had to try many different CPAPs and is happy with the one he has now. It uses nasal pillows, not a mask. Very sad to hear about another crew member losing his life. 😞

Good morning all! Not sure how much sleep I got last night, I do know I was awake for hours (wide awake). What's up with that?? I need a gently rocking BHB. 🙂 Anyway it's a beautiful sunny day, and I'm sure I'll wake up if I can get outside for a bit. Besides that, the only thing on my agenda today is to plant some seeds inside. I will celebrate butterflies and Pi Day (especially "pie"). I love potato chips but sadly it's one of many things I have to limit now since my doctor put me on a low sodium diet. I'll also pass on the drink, wine and meal. Tonight we'll be having pork chops. Happy Birthday Brenda @bennybear, Sandi's @StLouisCruisersDB, and @Mr. Boston's DM! Karen @luvteachingGreat news that your DH will be coming home and not to a skilled nursing facility. Wonderful that he's doing better lately too! Have a good day everyone!

Good afternoon! Home again after having a lovely afternoon and lunch with BFF. We try to get together once/month and meet half-way in Mt. Vernon. It's about a half-hour drive for each of us, and we (usually) have lunch at our favorite Italian restaurant. We didn't get our usual walk today though, the rain was coming down too hard today. Lots happening today! I appreciate all the photos of Dunedin today because we'll be there next year. Graham @grapau27 Happy Birthday to Pauline! It looks like you celebrated the right way!I Maureen @RMLincolnI'm so sorry to hear that you both have Covid. Prayers that it will be mild. Terry @smitty34877Great that the new aide is working out well. Jacqui @kazuIt was very nice to see your post today.\ Vanessa @JazzyVI also don't like anything on my head like hats or ear muffs. Debbie @dfishYay that it's been settled about the adrenal mass surgery. Eva @superomaVery sorry to hear your DD and family all have Covid. Lorraine @cruising sisterI'm sorry you had a frustrating day yesterday when settling your son's estate. Susan @durangoscotsI'm very sorry to hear you've been unwell. I hope you start to feel much better soon.

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. 🙂