Quartzsite Cruiser

Good morning again. The appointment with the physician assistant went well with just one change in dosage. I really like the PA, and especially the fact that he listens. It looks like I might be mowing the yard today. With our lack of rain, the grass isn't really growing, but the wild grass is putting out the tall seed shoots which are now about two feet high, and beginning to look shaggy. Rich, I'm happy to know the in flight internet is working. We also have T-mobile, hopefully, we can use it in the fairly near future. Hope you can get your laptop can be fixed in Ottawa. I appreciate your efforts to post the Fleet/Daily this morning. Sharon, happy you arrived safely. Have fun. Susan, I hope you were persuasive enough in the short time you had so you get what you requested. Gerry, we keep lists on the computer for cruise preparation and preparation for going to and from Quartzsite. We just need to remember to keep checking the lists and marking off things done and things packed. 😉 I now have an appointment for the third booster and the flu shot tomorrow morning. Lenda

Good morning from central Texas. It is 57F, but will warm up nicely today. Not too much on today’s agenda, except I have a routine doctor's appointment and blood test. Then, I'll stop at the store to pick up prescriptions and a few groceries. Do something nice is always good, and teachers deserve their day. Since we're not kale fans, we won't be celebrating kale. As far as today’s quote, I agree with @rafinmd Roy and @kazu Jacqui. We'll pass on the meal (kale), drink and wine. Unfortunately, we have not been to Dunedin. I hope we can make it there someday. @richwmn Rich, thanks for posting the days, maps, etc while traveling. Have a safe flight. @smitty34877 Terry, glad everyone is feeling better. I hope Tana's appetite improves soon. @marshhawk Congratulations, Annie, on three sales yesterday. @cunnorl Charlene, safe travels tomorrow, and hope all test negative in San Diego. @Cruzin Terri Terri, your trip sounds like just what you needed in spite of the rain. Lenda

Good evening. It's been a very loooooong day. Retail therapy today wasn't that therapeutic, but then, I'm normally not much of a shopper. However, by keeping tract of prices at some stores, I was able to save on a few things by buying at a different store or on-line. In one case, DH found the store had a sale on-line and I was able to get the same price in the store. That made it less than half price. I'm glad I called him about it. Charlene, that is good news you were able to get the shot for your eye. Safe travels tomorrow. I know you will have a wonderful cruise. Ann, I'm sorry Pat is still testing positive. I hope that changes soon. Ann, I'm sorry your Alaska adventure ended. I really enjoyed you saga. Lenda

Good morning from central Texas where it is currently 57F, but warming to 86F this afternoon. It will definitely be a more pleasant day for shopping in Waco than it was in the heat of summer. Wishimg our Jewish friends a good Yom Kippur. My golf skills proved to be non-existent. Since I don't drink coffee, I'll skip frappe day, but will definitely celebrate World Animal Day. Another interesting qoute today. I'm not sure about the meal, and we'll pass on the drink and wine. We have not been to Brisbane yet. It was the first port on our canceled.world cruise this year. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, thank you for the pictures. @richwmn Rich, have a safe flight tomorrow. @aliaschief Bruce, good to see you both will be getting your third booster. @kazu Jacqui, you've been very busy. Hope you get the large planters finished. @smitty34877 Terry, I sorry everyone has not been feeling well, am thankful everyone is testing negative. Hope all are better soon. Lenda

@Cruzin Terri 🎊 💞 HAPPY 41ST ANNIVERSARY 🥂 🍾

🌹 🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VANESSA! 🎁 🎈

Good evening. Today got away from me. What was to be a 1 to 2 hour job, washing the cars and golf cart turned into anout a five hour chore. To begin, we finally decided to replace the very old hose that had a samll hole with the new one we bought in June. That sounded like a simple job, and it would have been if the fittings on the new hose had not been oversized. We finally found a way to get everything hooked up and not leaking very much. Then things were going well when a neighbor stopped by. Let's just say he likes to talk and gossip more than I do. 😁 We had a nice visit, but I was later finishing. At least the cars look good. Tomorrow, I'm not sure when I'll get to the Daily. I'll be heading to Waco early vor some retail therapy. @Sharon in AZ Sharon, @dfish Debbie, and @NextOne Edi, safe travels and enjoy your cruise. Friday night's plan sounds like a winner. @USN59-79 i enjoyed the information about the Beringer Winery . DH and I visited the winery in 1997. We used to drink their white zinfandel, but now, DH's white zinfandel comes as cardbordeaux. @cat shepard Ann. I really ejoyed your saga. You both made the most of your time. @durangoscots Susan, now nice that you are getting much needed rain. @Cruzin Terri Terri, an early HAPPY 41ST ANNIVERSARY! Lenda

Good morning sunny, breezy, and cool central Texas. Not much on the agenda today, but I plan to wash the cars after it warms up a bit more. Right now it's still in the 50sF, and that's a little cool for car washing since I tend to get wet in process. BTW, Texas won their game Saturday night. Sunday's game will be in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. It is the Red River Rivalry against the University of Oklahoma. UT has lost quite a bit the last few years, but OU seems to be struggling this year, so there is hope. HOOKEM HORNS! Like others, my last boy friend has been my DH for 55 years. DH is the techie in this house, but I'm learning a few tricks. Child heath is important as a building block for good health later in life. I also find today's quote a little weird. We'll pass on the meal and the drink. DH likes white zinfandel wine, but after drinking today's wine selection for many years, I am not a fan anymore. @kazu Jacqui, I hope today is warmer for you while you are tackling the outside work. @cunnorl Charlene, that's good news about the power being back on in Orlando and that you and DD can get your hair done. @Cruzin Terri Terry, I'm very happy your flights are working out so well, and that the air tags worked. @ger_77 Gerry, I'm glad all you had was a sore are after your booster. @mamaofami Carol, congratulations on your 17 year old DGS publishing and selling an app. We were in Freemantle and Perth in 2000 on P&O Oriana's world cruise. DH took these pictures as I was still using a film camera back then. He had one of the first digital cameras which he bought for the cruise. When the ship docked, there were a lot of people at the terminal to greet us. Many of those waiting for the ship had immigrated to Australia and were there to see relatives on the ship. When we sailed late that night, the crew passed out streamers for the passengers to throw to their relatives. Both sides held on to their end of the streamer until it broke as the ship moved away from the dock. This ship was too long to get in one shot. It is used to transport sheep in the open cages on the decks. The next pictures are from our morning walk around Freemantle. There may be one or two repeats, but from a different angle. The Round House at the end of the street and a different view of the Round House A local church A monument to Vasco de Gama That afternoon we did a scenic tour of Perth, but we wished we'd know about the train from the port into Perth before we bought our tour tickets. We were in the front seat on the top deck of the bus so had some good views. Our one stop was in a park to see the black swans. Lenda

That's what happens when you away from the Daily for a few hours on a busy day. Lenda

Good afternoon. With our nice, cooler weather, we headed out late this morning for a ride in the convertible. It wasn't too cool or too warm. We found some more back roads near Waco to explore. If the weather cooperates, we are planning another ride next week. After DH's surgeries, he isn't supposed to drive for two months or ride in the car for more, than two hours at a time. Plus by the end of this month, it will probably be too cool anyway. I probably should be working outside, but it's too nice to work. At least, that's my excuse for sitting here with my book and my tablet enjoying a warm day with a light north breeze. Gerry, thank you for telling the newbies to be nice to the custodians and the secretaries as they are the back bone of any office or organization. I'm sorry about the nail in your foot. BTW, in a pinch wine or boose can be substituted for rubbing acholol, both internally and externally. 🤣 Enjoy celebrating the anniversary dinner with DH's daughter and her husband tonight. Thank you for the pictures of the synagogue. Susan, good to know you are getting rain. Joy, Bora Bora announced several months ago they are limiting the size of ships in the lagoon and the number of passengers on the island. Interestingly, the French ship Paul Gaughan which is based in Papeete is the size allowed. We've been lucky to visit Bora Bora many times, and before the influx of the bigger ships. Raiatea is a very nice small island that has not been on many ship itieraries before now. You should still be able to enjoy it before it's overrun by tourists. And I've noticed that Fanning Island has been replacing Christmas Island for several years. We may make it to Fanning someday. Linda, your evening with your son and grandson sounds lovely. No, I'm not a Seattleite. I'm a native Texan whose favorite fashion style is t-shirt, shorts and sandals. I do not like shoes that confine my feet. Graham, thank you. Jacqui, I admit I'd put my Birks away if and when it snowed. We are unusually in Quartzsite during the cold months so no snow. When it's cold and I have to breakout the socks to wear with my Birks, I get blue or black so they are not as noticeable as white socks. There are three Sandals & Co stores in Barcelona that sell only Birks, with very good prices compared to the US. One is on Plaaza de Catalunya and one is near the cathedral. The third one is further away from the main tourist area. In 2019, I made it home with two new pairs. Enjoyed your pictures. Thanks for the pictures. For this Texan, the water temperature has to be at least 82F. You might be able to Google the avaerage water temperature for when you're in Corfu. Carol, HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY to your grandson. I'm glad the new aide is working out and that Sam is better. That's also good news your DD is better and able to work some. I'm glad your friends in Naples and other parts of Florida are safe. Jake, that marathon would motivate me to clean, too. Sandi, that's good news. YEAH! That's good news your DH found the earring. Ann, I'm glad you are still testing negative, but sorry Pat is still positive. Hope you both feel better soon. Vanessa, an early HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your have a great day Tuesday and a great and safe trip. Good to see you posting. We've missed you. Lenda

Now for our three stops in Corfu in 2019 on Veendam. The first stop we rented a car and drove around the island. The other times we took the Ho-Ho and did one loop each time. Our drive on July 11, 2019, took us to Roda and Palaiokastraitsa and across the island. Heading out of town Roda Some cruisers stop for coffee or beer, but we stop for gelato when in Europe Palaiokastraitsa Some random pictures from the two Ho-Ho loops. A street market There were a lot of ruins along the frits loop and this is one. An old windmill For the garden club A sign on the new fort In town We wanted to go through the Achillean Palace, but when we saw the line for tickets, we got back on the Ho-Ho. Drive along the coast Lenda

Good morning from sunny and breezy central Texas. There's not much on the agenda today. Custodians are the unsung heroes who clean up our messes. I've only had one car that was named. It was my mother's 1956 Plymouth Savoy which I drove in high school and college. We named it The Bomb because it had a few quirks and was almost like a tank. I appreciate farm animals, and my grandfather had a few on their farm which was not really a working farm by then. He had a white cow named Bossy and a few Guinea hens. I remember him putting me on Bossy's back and her just standing there. I like the night because DH can get some great pictures with his telescope. We'll pass on the meal, drink and wine today. @kazu Jacqui, I wear my Birk's just about year round. I confess that in the winter around the house, I wear them with socks on really cold days. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I'm glad your DS is feeling better. Bora Bora has been closed to large cruise ships for about a year now, which is disappointing since it's a favorite port. Christmas Island is interesting even with not much to see, but the tides can make tendering dicey. I was surprised about Hilo. We have been to Corfu seven times, all on BHBs. I'll divide the pictures into two posts. The first post will be from our Noordam III 2002 and 2004 stops and out 2016 and 2019 stops on Prinsendam. In 2019, we stopped in Corfu three times on b2b2b cruises on Veendam, and I'll share them in another post. The coast from the Noordam III in 2002 The view from a hilltop restaurant on the other side of the island in 2002 A church we saw in 2002 The old town and part fof the open area in front of the old town from various stops. The area around the old fort and the entrance to the fort. Lenda

Annie, the news about the animals and volunteers being safe and off the island is great. Thank you for letting us know. Lenda

Thank you for the update. It seems things are looking up. I hope your area gets rain before mid-October. Teri, I hope you have safe and uneventful travels tomorrow and Monday. Enjoy your two week get away with all the extras. We promise not to mention anything about the perks. 😉 Lenda

Glad they made it home safely and have power. Lenda

Linda, I'm glad you were not adversely affected by Ian. I can only begin to imagine what turned up in the river. You will have a great time on your cruises and meet a lot of wonderful people. We learned many cruises ago, to just ignore the very few not so wonderful people. Roy, I turned autocorrect off a long time ago because of some of the truly bizarre words it substituted. So all my mistakes are operator error and poor proof reading. All I can say to the pictures is WOW and YIKES! 😱 My heart goes out to all who were affected on the island and all the animals that were left there. Florida and the residents were certainly left with a truly horrendous situation. Lenda

That is not exactly correct. According to the HAL Mariner page you reach 1* status when you have completed your first cruise. @Cruise Suzy Stated what I tried to say earlier, better than I did This is from the HAL Mariner page regarding Mariner status and benefits. ★ — One cruise completed ★★★★ — 200 cruise day credits ★★ — 30 cruise day credits ★★★★★ — 500 cruise day credits ★★★ — 75 cruise day credits .

When you take your first HAL cruise and have loyalty status on another Carnival Corporation cruise line, you will start out as a 1 star Mariner. I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think that is the case will all the Carnival owned cruise lines.

Thank you for managing to check in. We're glad you are safe, but OH NO, on all the damage. Hope everything is restored sooner rather than later. Lenda

Good morning from a cool central Texas. Fall is definitely here as our temperature is 53F. It will warm up to about 85F this afternoon. Quite a change from the triple digits in June and July, and the high 90s the past two months. It makes being outside in the afternoon a lot nicer. DH drinks coffee when it's cold outside, but I am not a coffee drinker However, we'll celebrate coffee day. I'm glad to see the old folks have their day, but in my mind I'm not elderly. Frugal fun sounds interesting. Today's quote is also interesting. The meal sounds intriguing, but we'll pass on the drink and the wine. We were in Toulon on July 24, 2019, while on the Veendam. That day we walked into town, then took the little tourist train around part of the town. We also took a city bus out to ride a cable car to the top of a mountain. We stood in line for quite a while, then someone ahead of us checked on the wait times. It would take more than 30 minutes to get to the ticket counter, and then about an hour to reach the gondola. We along with several others turned around and headed back to the bus stop. @grapau27 Graham, I'm pleased that your blood tests were normal, and glad you'll be getting your flu shot and booster next week. @Cat in my lap Safe travels back to Tampa today. I hope you find your place undamaged. @kplady Laura, enjoy your retirement. @Cruzin Terri Terri, that is good news that Ian spared you and that you can go on your trip. Safe travels and have a great time. @ottahand7 I'm happy your friend Frank is making progress. @cunnorl HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to your DH. Hope you can get your appointments rescheduled. I'm glad your friends are all safe, but sorry they will be dealing with damaged homes. @ger_77 Gerry, sorry about your lost earring. I know the feeling only too well. These are a few pictures of our day in Toulon. The area just outside the port. A nice beach with a small fort in the background The promenade along the waterfront There was a market set up in a square on the main road in town The main road, which is a block from the waterfront promenade. Some pictures from the tourist train or from the city bus The view from the area where we waited in line for the gondola tickets. Lenda

DH and I have been following the news about the new ALS drug that was just approved. It made us wonder if the new drug was one of the trials in which @St. Louis Sal was enrolled. It would be wonderful if one of our Dailyites had a part in helping other ALS patients. Lenda

Good to know you arrived home safely after a good time away. I agree, you called it correctly when you canceled your Baltimore trip. Thank you for checking in. and it's good to know your and your condo came through Ian with no damage. I couldn't live for long without power either. Enjoy your cruise(s) and your possible trip to Raleigh. Rebuilding a power grid is a daunting task, and unfortunately, that could take some time. My DF and DH both worked for electric utility companies, so we are familiar with all that is involved. At least, crews from unaffected areas should already be heading to Florida to lend a hand at getting the power grid up and running. Thank you, Jim. We're always glad to be able to share our pictures since that means we've been fortunate enough to visit so many wonderful places. Lenda

Good afternoon, which I hope will be a little less hectic than this morning. When I got up this morning, I was greet with cooler than expected weather. It was 53F this morning, so I waited a bit for it to warm up some before running errands. I did not want to have to breakdown and put on long pants for a couple of hours. After the grocery store, I made banana pudding for dessert, and Watergate salad to go with our collard greens and chicken and dumplings. That's the somewhat healthy meal since tomorrow night we'll be having nachos and cheese dip while we watch the UT v West Virginia game. After last weeks loss, all I can say is GO HORNS! 🤘 I've never had a mud pack, and maybe that's why my face looks well lived in. I wish I could hug our two vegetarians, but younger DD and SO are in Austin. Translators perform a big service. I will also salute Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Day. I wish we had a day like that to acknowledge the wrongs we did to the Native Americans. Today's quote is a good one and true. I might like to try today's meal, but maybe without the fish heads. We'll pass on the drink and the wine. Moet & Chandon Champagne is one of our least favorite ones. @mamaofami 🎂 HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY, JARED! 🎈 Carol, I'm glad many of your Florida friends checked into say they are safe. @Heartgrove Jack, I'm sorry you are still fighting with the insurance company about the roof damage from last April. That seems to be what they do best. @Cruzin Terri Terri, I'm happy American Airlines is acting like your flight will be operating. Stay safe until then. @dfish Debbie, I'm going to add my two cents worth, and that's about all it's worth. Our older DD and DSIL used PODS for at least one of their moves and did not have any complaints. It was a local move though. @HAL4NOW Thank you for the latest update on the fire. I like that the contained percentage is going up. @cat shepard Ann, good news that Bindi could go for a walk and stay dry. Thanks for the pictures. @Horizon chaser 1957 I'm glad you are enjoying you stay in Montreal. Thanks for the pictures. @ger_77 Gerry, I'm glad you both will be up to date on your flu and covid shots. Enjoy the warm weather. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I hope your sister recovers quickly from her shoulder surgery. When DH had bone spurs removed, he recovered quickly and was driving in about a month. It's the rotator cuff surgery that's the bad one. @durangoscots Susan, I hope you get good news from your friend in Fort Meyers soon. @HAL Sailer Melisa, what a mess with your friend's house and car. If I'm correct from looking at the picture, DH had a car like that. That's not the way you want it to end up. @Cruising-along Thanks for you pictures from Nemia and Nafplion. @Vict0riann Ann, that New Year's Cruise sounds like a good one. @kazu Jacqui, I'm glad your knee is doing better. @marshhawk Annie, sorry you have to add a new medicine. It's amazing how much heredity plays in our own health. Lenda

A quick good morning from central Texas. It is a busy morning, so I thought I'd drop in to wish everyone good morning and to repost my pictures of today's port. I hope we hear from @MISTER 67 and @jimgev soon and I hope they are safe with no injuries or much damage. I'm so many are checking in and are safe, and their many friends and relatives are safe. I hope everyone still in Ian's path remains safe, too. In 2019, the Veendam took us to Napflion in the Peloponnese. When we couldn't rent a car, we walked around town and then took the Ho-Ho which took us up to the fort overlooking the town. From our walk around town The fort from town and on the hillside. We opted to skip going into the fort. Plus the view of town from the hilltop. Town as seen from the Ho-Ho A smaller fort on the harbor Napflion is an interesting town. There are also several places to visit outside of town including Corinth. I be back to finish reading the Daily after my haircut today. Lenda

The Navigator app works on my LG velvet which is an android phone.