luvteaching

We just felt a 4.5 earthquake about 15 minutes ago! Karen

Maybe it's not me - but rather them! I just got some of the other sound but only briefly.

Checking in as well. I'm not hearing the sounds of the boats, etc. but do have the VHF. What am I doing wrong? I have sound on the Juneau webcam.

This thread brings back so many memories and that's great. I do wish HAL would reinstate some of the no-cost or low-cost items that have gone away. There was something about the Yum Yum man and the chimes calling you to dinner that felt elegant. I still have some of the notepads that were personalized and I'm so glad to see libraries coming back. Something I've been missing is the lack of ship/HAL specific merchandise in the gift shops. I love my license plate holder that says "My other car is a DAM ship" and it's transferred to a few cars! Last month on the Westerdam there was very little in the way of Westerdam related merchandise and the HAL stuff was ok but pretty much all clothes. Karen

Good morning, It's a beautiful day in the PNW and will be in the high 70's today and mid-70's tomorrow before we get rain on Monday. This is "Farm Tour Weekend" in the Skagit Valley with several farms open to the public with goods to sample, buy and educational displays. I'll head up towards Concrete tomorrow to visit two farms that were DH's favorites. Staying home today as new dryer is due to be delivered between 4 and 6 but could be earlier. Had a nice day visiting with Mom on Thursday. I left home at 9 AM and got back at 8:30 PM. She wanted to go shopping for black pants so we went to a mall that's a bit further from her place. She cashed in her lottery tickets and then clothes shopped. She got two tops and grey sweatpants and was happy. Then it was to the local bakery for some scones. I brought home a cinnamon one and a triple chocolate one. I left her at 3:45 to go to a friends house less than 30 minutes away and got there almost 2 hours later. The reason - an accident on the only bridge to get there. What a time just sitting and creeping along. At least the trip back down from BC was fine and my border waits were nonexistent. My Dad was bald and claimed he started going bald the day I was born! I walked to school pretty much all my school career until 11th grade when I started driving. You had to live several miles away to qualify for bus service and we weren't in that circle. Have a wonderful Saturday! Karen

Good morning from a sunny PNW. We're in for a 4-day stint of nice sunny warm weather and no rain until Monday. I can handle that. Today is a trip to BC to see my mom and some friends. I'm told I'm taking mom (97 and a going concern) shopping for new black pants, a stop at a bakery, and then to a pasta place for lunch. I can do that. Oh yes - I'm to stop and get Maple Nut ice cream for her on the way up (the old 1/2 gallon size). It will be a full day with leaving here about 9 and getting home close to 8 tonight. Have a great Thursday! Karen

@alibabacruisers BHB - is blue hulled beauty. Karen

I checked the roll call and someone posted on Sunday that Skagway, which is where they are supposed to be today, was canceled due to weather.

@Seasick Sailor Joy - I second the motion that you call 911 and get help to lift DH. I have lots (and I mean lots and lots) of experience with this scenario. I was instructed by our local medics/firemen to just tell them you need a "lift assist" and nothing else and then they won't send the ambulance, etc. Our local group was amazing the number of times I had to call for my DH. It was so appreciated that we had donations to the local fire department as part of DH's obituary (and have about $300.00 to donate). I felt "weird" calling the first few times but I was assured that it was totally ok and to keep calling. There were a few times they were here twice in a day when DH was feeling adventurous. The medics even knew where my cookie jar was and that it was always stocked! Karen

Have a wonderful trip @kazu Jacqui! Karen

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit1 Good morning, The fog has burned off, the sun is shining and the forecast is for mid-60's today. I am not a coffee drinker at all. Definitely a "tea granny" and have quite a stash of Murchie's teas. Yesterday was some errand running and then dinner with DSIL and DBIL with crab on the menu. We sat around the table and cracked crab and made salads. We had a great visit and I was treated to a lovely sunset on the drive home. DSIL is DH's "baby" sister and she was the apple of his eye. Today my realtor friend is doing an Open House so will go visit her and put gas in the car. Not the most exciting but that's the way it goes. Karen

Good morning, We have a beautiful sunny day today but on the cooler side which is fine. I've been busy taking care of things. I still have a few loose ends to wrap up on DH's bills and it's hard to do that when people don't call back! I did order a new dryer yesterday and it will be delivered in a week. My old one isn't drying well and often takes two cycles for heavier items. DS checked the vent and it was clear so I think it's just age. I'm at the point I'd rather replace it before it goes. The old one is a Kenmore and the new one is a basic LG. I don't need wifi! I'd get it if the washer would take the clothes out of the hamper, wash them, move them to the dryer, dry them and fold them. Talk to me about it then! hee.... This afternoon I'm having dinner with DH's sister and her husband at their place so that will be a nice treat. They're hoping for crab but we'll see if it happens. Have a good weekend. Karen

Bon Voyage Roy! I'm so glad to see you are doing this trip. Have a great time! Karen

I am loving reading your adventures. Thanks for doing it! The shuttle in Sitka is about a 5-10 minute ride at most and they have handicapped vehicles to take you in. They have the shuttle procedures down to a well-oiled machine. Karen

Good morning, We're having a sunny day here today but rain is in the forecast. It won't be like Juneau the last few days - almost 6 inches over two days! It's been a busy week with water aerobics and PT. Yesterday our local plumbing and heating company came to do the yearly inspection, drain the hot water tank, change furnace filters, etc. They rescued a new-born kitten from under the house (the neighbor stray cats) and my friend who was here for tea took it in immediately! A small problem with a separated sewer pipe (partial) was discovered so they'll be back Monday to fix that and replace a bulb on the scrubber in the furnace. I can't do this stuff anymore so am grateful for the help. DS is coming over this afternoon to clean out the gutters. I figure it's time - there's a thistle growing in one section and it wants to bloom! He'll also clean out the dryer vent and do a couple of other small "son-do" jobs. I try to make his time worthwhile and not bug him too much. @smitty34877. You are a strong woman with a great support group. We just did my DH's Celebration of Life on Saturday. We did a big picnic with hamburgers, etc. and a very casual approach to the day. We had about 50 people there and it was the best time. Later, sitting in the recliner thinking about the day, I felt a sense of peace and release. I'd sent him off the way he wanted me to and it felt good. I hope that whatever way you decide on to "send off" your DH you feel that same sense of peace. Karen

Boy that cameraperson is having fun with the zoom! What a beautiful day in Juneau and the last nice day for a stretch if we believe the weather forecasters. Karen

Before I forget - I'm Scallywag Patch Sparrow. Karen

Good morning, I like butterscotch pudding, did "talk like a pirate day" with my students when I was teaching, and the meal of the day sounds good. Sunday I took my cousin and her husband on a tour of the area, so basically a day trip, and we had a great time. She wanted to see all the places I tell her about in my emails so we went for the exciting things like the high school parking lot where the seniors paint (personalize) their parking spots, by Life Care and the hospital where DH stayed, went to Olive Garden for lunch (soup, salad, breadsticks) as they don't have one anywhere near them, then by recycle, and the display of driftwood masterpieces that a local person has on display. The highlights of our country area! heee... I picked them up at 10 AM and returned them to the KOA (where their motorhome was parked) at 4:00 PM. It was a great day! We haven't seen each other in 5 years although we call and email regularly so being together was so much fun. Yesterday was back to water aerobics, errands and trying to make some order in the house and that's going to take awhile. Since the Celebration of Life I feel that I've sent DH off on a great note and now feel I can start tackling the clothes and other personal things. We'll see how that goes over the next few weeks. Today is PT and more organizing so nothing too exciting. Karen

@smitty34877 My deepest condolences on the passing of your husband. I'm so glad you were able to have him at home. Hang in there - you are a strong woman. Karen

Good morning from a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest! @kazuJacqui so great to hear from you this morning and glad to hear you and Ivan did ok. We had a great day yesterday at DH's Celebration of Life/Family picnic. My DS and DDIL were amazing at keeping the barbecue going. We went from 11-3:00 and had about 40-50 people there. I was blessed to have my two nieces and 2 great nieces there from BC along with my friend, her husband and two adult children, as well as my cousin and her husband. DH's side of the family all came and we had a lovely visit. Also, quite a contingent of teacher friends were there. Even our mailman stopped in! The weather was perfect - sunny with a slight breeze. Everyone ate and visited and it was a great send-off for DH. It was just what he would have wanted. By the time I got home last night and unloaded my car I was tired! Today I'm picking up my cousin and her husband at 10:00 (they have their motorhome at the local KOA) and we're going for a drive and a late lunch at Olive Garden. They don't have one anywhere close to them so they are looking forward to it. It's funny - when I was telling this to others everyone mentioned "oh.. soup, salad and breadsticks are the best"! Karen

Good morning, Quick check-in today. We're doing DH's Celebration of Life/Family Picnic today and the weather is supposed to be mid-70's and sun! I have several friends/family coming down from Canada which I'm very appreciative of. We're doing hamburgers, salmon burgers, hot dogs, etc. and my job was the sweets DH loved - chocolate chip cookies, Nanaimo Bars, and Oreo Cookie fudge. We're going from 11-3 in a very casual park venue and I've counted at least 40 so far who are coming. Should be a fun time. I just hope it all ebb and flows nicely. DS came yesterday afternoon and loaded up his vehicle and mine with tablecloths, etc. My job is now to get DH's urn in as well as a few last minute items. I'll update later or tomorrow. Karen

Good morning everyone! I got back on Sunday and the cruise went well. I had my teary moments but they lessened as the week went on and I was fine. I'm a "tough old broad" if the truth be known. I do tell people I was born with my bladder behind my eyes which is why they leak! hee... Juneau was a gorgeous day and Sitka and Ketchikan were overcast but no rain. Hubbard Glacier was foggy and wet but the small boat excursion was definitely worth the time and money. We got to within 1/2 mile of the glacier which was more than a mile closer than the ship did. Since getting home I've been busy with water aerobics, unpacking, PT for my leg, my DH's 65th High School Reunion yesterday (there were 22 of his classmates there ) and getting ready for his Celebration of Life/Family Picnic on Saturday. I got reminded, gently, by my brother-in-law on Tuesday about making Nanaimo Bars so that's on the schedule today along with Dh's fave Oreo Cookie fudge. I also got a call last night that my cousin, who was under the evacuation alert in Chase, BC, is coming down for the weekend and will be at the event. They are bringing their motorhome and staying not too far from me. I'm so grateful they're making the trip (it's about a 5 hour drive and an international border crossing) and we'll get to visit as it's about 4-5 years since we've seen each other. Today is sunny weather, PT, and baking and cleaning - so exciting! Karen

Greetings from Juneau! I finally could log in on my phone. It's a lovely sunny day in Juneau and shirtsleeve weather. I'm doing well on the cruise, some teary times, lovely dinner companions, and I'm on vacation in Alaska. Tonight is the Pinnacle and tomorrow is Hubbard Glacier and I'm doing the small boat excursion. Have a great Tuesday! Karen

Good morning! All packed and will head out the door in less than an hour. Thanks for all the good wishes! I'm not sure how much I'll be able to check in. I'm on my Mac laptop and for some reason Safari doesn't like Cruise Critic on it (does fine on my desktop) and my other browser won't let me log in. The HAL app is just spinning on my phone so I'm glad I have a printout of my boarding pass. I'm a bit teary this morning but I figured I would be. The tears are right there behind the eyes. I tell people I was born with my bladder behind my eyes and I tend to leak! It gets a smile. I have cookies to give the parking lot crew and everything is ready to go. Have a great Sunday enjoy the Labor Day weekend! Karen

Good morning, I enjoy bacon especially on a burger. DS has quite the beard. It's not my favorite but it's his face and he's happy as is DDIL so that's all that matters. Today is packing day. I have clothes out on the bed and have walked away for a bit. Then I'll go back and probably put quite a bit back in the closet and then start with the suitcase. I'm planning on one bag to go with the porter, one with me and my backpack but we'll see how that goes. Have a good Saturday and stay safe this Labor Day weekend! Karen