Cruising-along

Good morning all! Well the "river of rain" has started. I'm glad I got a lot done in the backyard yesterday while it was nice. Today will be a more restful day, I hope. Yesterday turned out to be a bad day all around. As I was pruning one of the lilacs, I heard the sound of what I thought was a tree falling in the woods behind our fence. My heart stopped because it was so loud, and then about a foot away from me, I saw a 22" long 4" diameter branch had come down into our yard! It could so easily have hit me and I would have been injured badly. Once I had calmed down (and had some wine!) I contacted the HOA and put in yet another complaint about those nasty Cottonwood trees behind our houses. They responded quickly, a tree service will be coming asap. Then later last night DD texted that she tested positive for Covid. 😞 Of course we were all together last week in Yellowstone....none of the rest of us are feeling sick, but DH is going to be tested this morning at the clinic because he's scheduled to work tomorrow. The timing is hard to figure how/when she got it, it could either be during our trip or right after getting home. I like Donald Duck, Celtic art, and archives are so important. I'll pass on the drink, wine and meal (Debbie @dfishgreat rising to the challenge!). I like margaritas but not for a meal. Roy @rafinmdI hope your hip pain is much better soon! Sharon @Sharon in AZthank you for the cat photo! 🙂 @seagarsmokerso happy to hear that your uncle is doing well after his surgery. @JAM37Julia sorry to hear about your neck pain. I agree with others that it could possibly be your pillow. At least that's the culprit when my neck hurts. Gerry @ger_77Yikes about the identity theft and being awakened in the middle of the night. 😞

Good morning all! Today will be another day of temps near 70F. I plan to garden today because another "river of rain" is headed our way....we've had SO much rain this spring. I wish I could send it to areas that need it. I've been best friends with Barbara since we were 9 years old. We lived 2 doors apart. I moved to CA at 14, and we remained best friends through many moves on my part around the country. Deaths, celebrations, a lot has happened over the past 62 years. We try to get together every month if we can, we live an hour apart now. Like many, I thought of cruising when I heard World Ocean Day 🙂 Many Chilean Sauvignon Blancs are good, I'd like to try this one. I would like the meal, but with a thinner crust. I'm not sure, but think I've been to Isle of Man on a cruise. @Sharon in AZYAY that Craig is out of quarantine!! @seagarsmokerprayers for your Uncle Gary as he has triple bypass today. @SusieKIslandGirlprayers for a swift recovery after your hip replacement surgery today.

Good morning all! It looks like it will be a beautiful day here, low 70's -- if only the Cottonwood fluff would stop. It seems to have waited until we returned home and really started coming down hard yesterday -- making piles along the edges of lawns etc. DH is allergic like many people are. Thankfully HOA had some Cottonwood trees removed last year, so we're hoping this year won't be as bad as most years. I love anything chocolate, including ice cream. Better yet is ice cream with lots of chocolate in it. We had some ice cream in Yellowstone called Moose Tracks and it was heavenly. Vanilla ice cream with big chunks of chocolate, chocolate swirls, and peanut butter cups in the ice cream. Yum. I don't see many June bugs here thank goodness. I just looked it up, and they like the opposite corner of our state (and they can stay there!) I guess it isn't hot enough here. Love the quote, like the meal and drink, will pass on the wine. @cunnorlCharlene that is wonderful news that your sister's scans and blood tests were all clear!! Funny about the hair. My sister's hair grew back super curly (her hair had been slightly wavy, but not tight curls) and her hair color stayed the same. @dfishDebbie, I'm so glad to hear that you're sleeping much better and the pain is gone! Great news. Here's a photo of the black bear with her two tiny cubs that we saw in Yellowstone. They were right along side the road, and the ranger was making everyone keep moving, so it's the only photo we got thanks to DD. The cubs are at the base of the tree.

Thank you Lenda, I'm very proud of them. 🙂 I probably didn't write it correctly -- the program isn't being discontinued thank goodness. But they will stop giving the badges at the 3 levels to save money. The boys have Geyser and Bison badges, so we're happy. They wouldn't have been eligible to get the bison badges until they're 12 or 13 otherwise.

Aw, thank you!!

Good morning all! We got home last night after a great time in Yellowstone with the family. I'm totally worn out but eager to start planning DH's and my next trip there next year. On our last morning before heading to the airport, the grandsons did get their Junior Ranger badges so they're now at Grizzly Bear level. 🙂 Funny though, the park is going to discontinue the badges 😞 and there are no Grizzly badges left, so they got the highest badge, Bison 🙂 Proud Nana here, they did great at answering the ranger's questions. D-Day should never be forgotten. We got a rental car and drove to the beaches on a cruise, very moving experience. My family went to drive-ins when I was a child, but I haven't seen any since my teen years. I hope to get some gardening exercise today, it looks like things have grown a lot just in the 5 days we were gone. (that's IF I can get the body moving, I'm aching all over from those hikes this week!) I never could get a yo-yo to work well. Have been to Sitka once or twice -- thanks for photos! Will pass on the wine, drink and meal. @HAL SailerMelissa I loved your drive-in story! Kudos to your parents! @AncientWandererMaxine thank you for the photo of your adorable new grandson! Such a cutie 🙂 Our grandsons taking the pledge for their Junior Ranger badges.

Good morning all! Yesterday was our last full day in Yellowstone and we spent most of it hiking —another 5+ miles (and I’m feeling it)! First we climbed up Mammoth Terraces and then to the overlook at Prismatic Springs and then on to Fairy Falls. The boys have finished their Junior Ranger booklets so this morning we plan to drive to the Ranger Station in Mammoth so they can get their Grizzly Bear badges. They got their Geyser badges a couple years ago. Then we’ll drive back to Bozeman for our flight home. It has been a wonderful time! Prayers for all who need them and cheers for all on the celebration list. Have a wonderful day. Looking down from the terraces to Mammoth Next 4 photos are the terraces Looking down on Prismatic from the overlook. Well worth the hike! After a long hike we reached Fairy Falls DD said she was proud of us for doing something new, especially because the whole hike back was in the rain! A family tradition, photo of us spanning the arch in Gardiner.

Good morning from our last full day in Yellowstone. Yesterday was another full day. We spent it at Old Faithful, did the 5+ mile hike around one of the geyser loops, ended the day at Grand Prismatic and then a very late dinner. We saw more mama and baby bears, and of course had several bison road jams. 🤣 Today I think we’ll be heading to Mammoth Terraces and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. At least I think that’s what DD would like to do. Since DH and I come every year this trip is for them especially. This is Shep’s second time here and Foster’s third. Prayers for those who need them and cheers for all on the celebration list. This chart is a winner! Old Faithful erupted exactly on time and was a good show. Being silly by Grotto Geyser Grand Prismatic Beauty Pool Morning Glory sadly isn’t as glorious after years of people tossing things into it. 😞 At dinner

Good morning from Yellowstone! We’re up and getting ready to start our 2nd day here. The weather has been great. Yesterday we saw a mama black bear with her 3 cubs who couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old. Right outside our car window!—a ranger kept the traffic moving and I didn’t get a photo but SIL got a good one. Today will be another full day of geyser peeping and hiking. The grandsons are working on their Junior Ranger booklets in hopes of advancing to bear level. Having a great time, prayers for all who need them and cheers for all on the celebration list! My shirt says “Do not pet the fluffy cows” Lots of babies, I love Yellowstone in the spring! Beautiful colors at Norris Geyser Basin Tired boy!

Good morning all from our hotel just outside Yellowstone! We arrived last night and are getting ready for our first full day in the park. This is also our youngest grandson’s 7th birthday. He’s hoping to see a fox (one animal we’ve only seen a handful of times in the many, many times we’ve come here). But fingers crossed! I’ll catch up on all the posts later but for now want to say I’m very happy Debbie @dfishis doing well but very sorry to hear that @Sharon in AZ’s DH has Covid. 😞 More later! Last night around the fire at our hotel.

When we sailed last fall I was told that they took into account that we are 5-star when we were assigned our boarding time. It was around 1:00. Whether that is true or not, I don't know.

How exciting, congratulations! (you know we expect to see photos, right?)

Good morning all! A busy day here trying to get everything done before we leave for Yellowstone tomorrow morning. Packing is almost done, but yardwork and housework need to be done. And we're finally having a few dry days so I can finish the last 1/3 of the stain on the deck floor. The lattice can wait until after we return. The rush is because the Cottonwood is starting to fall from the trees, and that could make a real mess. It was in the news yesterday that Seattle has had the wettest May in 74 years -- 3.79 inches for the month and I believe it. I do believe the moss in the yard has more moss growing on it. 😉 We're all ready for some sun. I don't care for macaroons, saving hearing is so important. Two of DH's sisters are deaf, as is a niece. Neither DH or I have ever smoked. I'll pass on the meal and wine, but the drink sounds good. Have never been to the port. @Vict0riannHappy Birthday to Pat! Enjoy your time in my home town, I miss living there but get there often. @MISTER 67a big congratulations on your hole in one!! @dfishDebbie I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, "talk" to you when it's done. @Heartgrove Jack prayers for both your brother and sister. @rafinmdRoy safe travels home! @Cruzin Territhat's wonderful that the wheelchair will be going to @dobiemom's DM 🙂

So kind of you, Roy. No worries, I know you're on a cruise -- enjoy!

Good morning all! We salute our fallen heroes today and every day. No need to water a flower today, we've had days and days of rain recently 😉 I wish I was more creative. Both DH and I have had MS touch our families. A cousin of mine had it in the 50's -- sadly he also had out of control Diabetes and passed away at the tender age of 32. Happily so much has changed since then to treat both diseases. I also have a niece who has it, she is doing well. DH's sister had it, sadly she passed a few years ago but from cancer. We've been to Kona a few times, thank you to Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser, @Overhead Fred, @Vict0riann, Vanessa @JazzyVand @bennybearfor the great photos. I think I would like the meal but with chicken and would tone down the spice a little. Tonight will be stuffed peppers though. The drink and wine both sound good. @cunnorlCharlene what a scary experience! Thank goodness your DD wasn't hurt. @GTVCRUISERGary Happy Birthday!! @rafinmdRoy I noticed that my niece who needs a kidney transplant has fallen off the rotation list -- thank you for keeping her on it for so long. I was thinking of telling you to take her off, since it could be a very, very long wait for her -- meanwhile she goes to dialysis several times/week. Thank you for all you do, we appreciate it!

Good morning everyone! Another cloudy, drizzly day here. Apparently it will be sunny and 75 the day we leave for Yellowstone, and thunderstorms in Yellowstone almost the whole time we're there -- oh well! 😄 I've been trying to get the staining done on the deck, but the weather just hasn't cooperated. I have two composters, I like the spinning one more. Will pass on the meal, drink and wine today. It will be a full day with the grandsons, we're taking them to lunch and then to the wonderful Children's Museum here. They're doing it all by reservation now, but now you can stay until closing instead of only for 2 hours as it was for awhile. If we get there on time, we'll have 3 hours which is about perfect. @Dismomx5I'm so sorry to hear you'll be missing your cruise because of Covid. 😞 @durangoscotsgreat news that the fire is all contained!

Have you tried doing a test booking of another excursion? I'm wondering if it's a problem with the shore excursion site in general or there really is a problem with just that excursion. I'm not sure you can reach anyone on the holiday weekend...

Good morning all! It's an overcast, blustery day here in the PNW. Hoping that will improve later. Not much chance of frying here with the heavy cloud cover, but if it does clear, I'll have my sunscreen on! The only experience I have with wigs is when I went with my two sisters so my DS with cancer could try some on. We turned it into a fun experience and she had a great time. The cancer care center in her city provided them plus scarves. I'll pass on the merlot today, but the drink and meal both sound good. It will probably be a mish-mash dinner for me tonight, as DH is working and won't be home. We haven't been to Pago Pago yet, but it's on the Grand Australia itinerary in '24. Thank you for any and all photos! Last night we went to the Member Appreciation Day at the zoo with DD and DGSs -- in the drizzle and rain. We were there only an hour, DD was late meeting us, and the crowds were crazy. Who knew there were so many members LOL?! The parking lots were filled to the brim. It was nice just being with them though. They had free eats and activities, nicely done. Today I need to get my hair cut, and hopefully some outdoor work done if the weather cooperates. @smitty34877Terry Happy Birthday to your son today!

Hi Jacqui, Please add me, Cruising-along, to the Oct. 8, 2022 Nieuw Statendam 14-day Atlantic Coast and also Oct. 22, 2022 Nieuw Statendam 14-day Eastern/Tropical Caribbean cruises. Thank you so much! Carolyn

I understand, Vanessa. This is the first time we've been to a movie theater since well before Covid. We wore our masks and the theater probably had only 20-25 people there. You could also wait a bit, and hope most people are going these first few weeks. 🙂

Good morning all! I didn't get here yesterday, it was a busy day. DH and I went to a matinee to see Downton Abbey: A New Era (excellent movie and must-see for all Downton lovers!) and as soon as I got home I put a second coat of stain on the deck. We thought that by going mid-week and to an early matinee we would be safest -- and it was great for the most part. Everyone was spread out in the theater --- until about 2/3 way through the movie, when a group of 3 or 4 people came stumbling into the theater in the dark and proceeded to sit --- you got it, right behind us. 😡 the topper was when one of their phones rang! Who comes that late to a movie?? Geesh. I seem to be a magnet for people like that. Anyway, it was so well done, and DH and I always enjoy seeing exterior shots of Highclere because we were there in 2014, the first year they started tours. I'm ready to watch the movie again already. I salute Sally Ride, pass on Dracula. I was a strawberry blonde which turned later to auburn and then light grey. And yes, there have been many times I've been called feisty, and have a temper (but only when crossed LOL) Will pass on the meal, drink and wine and haven't been to China. Another busy day, more staining the deck if the weather cooperates, groceries, and tonight we're going to the zoo with DD and the grandsons. It's member appreciation day, so open only to members after hours. There's a bit of rain in the forecast....we'll see how it goes. @smitty34877Terry I hope things continue to improve. @cat shepardAnn you must be rightfully proud of your grand nephew's achievements. @StLouisCruisersSandi and @kb4683Kay Bon Voyage!

Wow. Do you get email confirmations of your appointments or do you have something like MyChart? I would have shown them proof of my appointment and then if they still said I had to wait, I would have walked out. Just wow! I'm so thankful for our clinic here after hearing your and others' stories.

Good morning all! Another nice day here in NW Washington. It's supposed to get up to the mid 60's F. Slowly but surely it's warming up. I've never had a tiara, no thanks on the escargot -- too much of a reminder of all the snails I do battle with in the garden. 🐌 No brothers, but I have 2 BILs. Love the Erma Bombeck quote and miss her. Not sure about the meal, will pass on the wine and drink. Have never been to Grenada. Thanks for the photos! DH and I have our suitcases out for our trip to Yellowstone next week. So I'll be slowly adding things to mine, but most of the packing will have to be done in the last couple days. We're doing all carry-on so it will all have to fit in 2 smallish bags. Looks like typical spring weather there, cold nights and cool-warm days. Excited to have DD, DSIL and the grandsons coming with us! DS and DDIL would love to go, but are up to their necks with renovations on the house and work. Maybe next time. Have a great day everyone!

Good morning all! Interesting collection of days today and Happy Victoria Day to our Canadian friends! I'll pass on the wine, but the drink and meal both sound yummy. Have never been to Japan. DH is working today with the Mariners, I'm trying to decide whether I'll be mowing the lawn or staining the deck. I'm leaning towards the staining, since DH just pressure washed it and it's clean. We're loving this great weather we're having. And the birds have been staying out of my hanging baskets, yay! I guess I had a senior moment when I'd forgotten that using forks in the soil had worked before. I remember someone here said they were going to see the new Downton Abbey movie -- but can't remember who -- DH and I plan to go to a matinee on Wednesday, hoping it will be less crowded mid-week and early in the day. Maxine @AncientWandererI'm so sorry to hear your DH has Covid. Hoping for a very mild case and that you don't get it. @Cruzin Terrigreat news that you were able to eat your whole dinner! It sounds like you may be turning a corner and are getting better.

Sharon I'm chuckling here. Today was the grandsons' joint birthday party and it was an outdoor pool party. It also was 73 here. But the difference is that when it's 73 here we think it's a warm day and perfect for going in the pool! 😂 And no, I don't think I could handle two 14-year-old girls -- probably not even one! 😄