Quartzsite Cruiser

It looks like our rain has stopped for now. According to DH's weather station, we received 1.94 inches. The grass and yard are still too wet to check the rain gauge in the flower bed. His weather station reports rain fall in 0.03 inches, so we could have gotten a little more. The weeds I mowed yesterday are looking very happy now. 😉🤣 Once it dries up enough and there is no wind, I'll apply the heavy duty weed killer we got the other day. It's supposed to kill the weeds and not really harm the grass. It could turn the Bermuda grass white, but since a lot of it is dormant and brown from the heat and lack of water, it won't be that noticeable. 🤞 Thank you. Thank you. I like your pictures of Santiago de Compastela. Roy, I read a news story earlier this week that stated the Volendam would be back in service later this month. Thank you for the good wishes. Safe travels to and from Austin and enjoy the game. We'll try to watch the game on the Longhorn Network. HOOK EM! BTW, the major construction on I-35 in Waco is finished, just some work on the ramps and surface streets in the area. Karen, I hope your DH is all right today. Enjoy your Eurodam cruise after your negative tests. Roy, @marshhawk Ann, mentioned on yesterday's Fleet/Daily that their anniversary is September 9. I guess you'll get to wish her Happy Anniversary again then. We now feel like we're heading in the right direction on the medical front. We just wish the process could move a little quicker. Vanessa, thanks for the anniversary wishes. It seems everything is bigger in Texas, including our rain. We actually get about the same amount of rain in the normal year that they get in Seattle. Only we don't drag it out with days of liquid sunshine. I'm sorry your hives and itching reappeared, but glad the Benadryl helps. Hope the insurance company comes through with help on the roof and water damage. Lenda

WOW! When it rains in Texas, it doesn't mess around, Just after I finished the earlier posts, our slow rain turned into a torrent. It is not a frog strangler or a gully washer. It's a frog strangling gully washer. So far, we've gotten 1.69 inches, and it's still coming down in buckets. The skies are really dark, there is thunder and the rain has disrupted the satellite dish. At least, we can get over the air channels. Oh, BTW, our yard is flooded since there is too much rain to soak in. I just hope this helps our lake level and puts a dent in the drought. Thank you, Terry. Susan, I hope you had a great time on the Zuiderdam. Thank you for the good wishes. We are doing all right, and making progress on the medical front. After our first visit with the nurse practioner, Steve had an MRI of his head, and it revealed another couple of things, one of which could be causing all the problems including the NPH. We saw the NP last week, and have since seen two other doctors, an ophthalmologist and our PCP. Got good reports there, and now we are waiting until the 26th of this month to see the neurosurgeon who can take care of the new problem and then the NPH if necessary. Steve, called UTSW to see if he could switch the 2:30 pm on a Friday afternoon appointment to an earlier time or earlier date. It turned out, the next available appointment would have been October 23. Lenda Lenda

This is what I posted on July 16, 2021. We have been to A Coruna twice on BHBs. In 2004, on the old Noordam, we stayed in town, took the bus to the lighthouse and then walked around town. In 2011, on the Prinsendam, we took the tour to Santiago de Compastela. I'll begin with A Coruna. The lighthouse which is still working and built on the foundation of the old Roman lighthouse. The Tower of Hercules is the oldest extant lighthouse and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We went up in the lighthouse, and DH went to the very top. This is A Coruna from the top. Various sites as we walked around the town This picture is from 2011 after our tour when we were searching for an ATM The view of the Tower of Hercules as we sailed to the next port. These are a few of the pictures I took in Santiago de Compastela. The first is as we were walking from the bus to the square. A monument to the pilgrims and one entrance to the church. plus the interior of the church. We saw St. James tomb, but no pictures. There was a long line to walk through the narrow passage and view the tomb. Basically, we had to keep moving. A different view of the square where the pilgrims gather After touring the church, we went to a hotel for refreshments in the courtyard, where we were entertained by these gentlemen, Lenda

Good morning from a dark and misty central Texas. Yesterday's rain was all around us, but somehow managed to miss us. Looking at the weather radar, again we are sort of the eye of the rain in this area. We have a chance for some rain n about an hour, if the radar future cast is correct. 🤞 We have been hearing thunder for about an hour. Since I typed this, it has started raining and the driveway is now wet. Three important days to celebrate. VJ Day ended a years long nightmare in the Pacific. Food banks perform an important service, but I wish there was not a need for them. Our college colors are burnt orange and white. GO HORNS! Another interesting quote today, and I'll need to think about it. We'll definitely pass on the meal and on the drink. Looking forward to the wine description. @rafinmd Thank you Roy, for putting our anniversary on the Celebration List. We've packed a lot into the past 55 years, and I wonder where the time has gone. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, thank you for the anniversary wishes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AUSTIN! @ottahand7 Thank you for the anniversary wishes. That brisket looks good. We haven't smoked a brisket in years. We'd have to get up too early to put it in the smoker and have it ready for dinner. The only way to get tender brisket, as you know, is low and slow, and then let it stay at 190-200F for a while. @cunnorl Thank you for the anniversary wishes. We hope to have many more anniversaries. We'll look tomorrow to see if we can see the launch. Hope they make it this time. @Heartgrove Jack, thank you for wishing us a happy anniversary. I hope you hear from the insurance adjuster soon. @ger_77 Gerry, thank you for your good wishes. I'm glad the dinner went well last night. @cat shepard Ann, thanks for the good wishes on our anniversary. My guess is, they will provide lunch at the Princess Lodge. Since Princess and HAL are under the HAL Group, I would not be surprised if they shared some facilities for the Alaska land tours. @superoma Thanks for remembering us on our anniversary. @Cruzin Terri Terri, thank you for the anniversary wishes. I hope you don't have to build that ark. Isn't technology great and time saving? 🤣 @aliaschief Bruce, I have my fingers crossed 🤞 the dishwasher is up and running by dinner time. Thank you for the anniversary wishes. , @Seasick Sailor Joy, thank you for the lovely anniversary "card". Where are you and DH going to the VA? DH went to the one in Waco when we first moved here, but had to switch to our PCP. They insisted they needed to see him every six months, and that did not fit in with our travel schedule. @smitty34877 Terry, that's good news it is getting cool enough to have the windows open. @seagarsmoker Thanks for the anniversary wishes. @lindaler Linda, thanks for the good wishes for our anniversary. I'm happy you are settling into life in Mobile and are enjoying the area. Now, I'll see what I posted on July 16, 2021, from A Coruna. Lenda

Good afternoon. It turned out to be a busy day. I got the house clean in record time, not that I was faster than normal, but there were fewer interruptions. I had enough time to mow the yard. The native grass (aka weeds) had gotten so tall, I realized that if I waited much longer, it would be almost impossible to mow some areas. I am still surprised at how much quicker I can get the yard done with the new mower and trimmer. I guess it's because I don't have spend time messing with power cords and gas cans. @marshhawk Ann, double congratulations. Five sales is impressive. And 👍 on your last day as a dog walker. @durangoscots I'm glad the meeting went better than expected last night. @luvteaching I also wish your friend Wayne peace and comfort in his final days, and love and comfort for Karen now and after his death. @cat shepard Ann, I'm glad you enjoyed the glacier cruise even if the weather was not ideal. I hope the skies are clear enough so you can see Denali. The mountain on a clear day is spectacular. Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights. @Cruising-along Jinx is a handsome cat. He's lucky he has you and the neighbors to look out for him. Lenda

Good morning from cloudy central Texas. Who knows what the weather will do today. This will be a quick post since I'm cleaning house today and want to get it out of the way. At least, we will have a clean house for our 55th anniversary tomorrow. With all that's been going on around here, and with our weather, the celebration this year will be low key. We've had two wonderful ginger cats, Sandy and Sargent. I think I'll pass on tofu and cherry popovers though. I like the quote. We've had roasted cabbage as a side dish, but will pass on the meal and the drink. The wine should be nice. @Cruzin Terri 🥂 🍾 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TERRI! 🎈 🎂 I hope your are feeling better, and enjoy your birthday dinner out. @kazu Jacqui, I loved the cat memes. @1ANGELCAT I know Fluff will like having the stiches out. We were in Boca de Valeria on our 2006 Amazon cruise on the old Regal Princess. It is a very small, native village downstream from Manaus. We were told before boarding the tenders that if we wanted to donate money, give it to the school or church, but not to the children. Their parents would only take the money and spend it at the local watering hole. Part of the pier where the tender docked was covered in carpet different cruise lines had given the village when they replaced carpet. There was a dirt path from the dock up to part of the village. Boy were we glad it was not raining that day. Some of the locals in costumes and with different animals and birds. We gave this man a hat we'd brought with us The local church The school which at that time had 37 students and 2 teachers We got to walk through one house. There was also a living room with two couches. Various scenes around the village Once back on the ship, many from the village came out in these boats wanting us to throw money to them. The view from the ship Lenda

Welcome to the party. A designated driver is probably the best idea yet. You would be welcome even without the wine, but we wouldn't refuse it. Safe travels tomorrow and enjoy your visit. Lenda

Sounds like we're getting a plan. With wine, we'd probably take rwice as long (at least) per room. I imagine we all would drink more wine than Carolyn expects. Of course, the more we'd drink, she could probably substitute cheaper wine as the painting progressed. After seeing all the typos in my last post after less than two glasses of wine with dinner, I just might be messier, if that's possible. Lenda

Sounds like a plan, wouod we get the wine while painting? That would be more fun, but probably even messier. 😉🍷 Lenda

But, can Carolyn afford us? 😉 Lenda

Good afternoon. So far the rain has not appeared, unless you count the three drops on the windshield just as I got back from picking up a precription for DH. Of course, I couldn't go in the store and not spend more money on what was on sale. 😉🤣 The cookies are finished and were approved by our two person quality control team. The good news is I only forgot to turn on the timer for one batch, and managed to get them out before they burned.. They are just a little crunchier, but still passed the taste test. 👍 We have sailed put of Tampa and wouldn't mind having a BHB homeported there. It’s easy to get to from DFW, or at least it was 20 years ago. Debbie, I'm glad the painting is finished. They quit making our favorite paint years ago. We've tried several others and finally found one we like. It's not the most expensive, but not the cheapest either. Melissa, I'm glad the scans are scheduled for your DSIL. Ann, we loved the Kenai Fjords cruise the times we've done it, especially the dinner cruise with fresh grilled salmon. The 26 glacier cruise out of Whittier is wonderful especially if you're lucky like we were and have a sunny day. Hopefully, some day we'll take the train to Seward. We've aleays driven, and that scenry is spectacular too. Ann, I'm glad you are feeling like yourself again. Thanks for the pictures. Debbie, not only am I able to get paint under the drop cloth, I've been known to get it under the blue painter's tape too, not to mention other places. I suspect you will be looking for a house that does not need painting. 😉 Welcome to the messy painters club. Wonder if anyone would hire us? Lenda

Good morning from a cloudy and humid central Texas. Rain is still in the forecast through the weekend.🤞 It's been a while since we ate outside though we used to eat outside a lot in Quartzsite. This summer it's been too hot to even cook outside until recently. I'm not fond of trail mix, although DH likes it. Some memoirs can be very interesting. I like the Robert Frost quote. The meal looks good, but maybe for a cooler day. Younger DD has made fresh tortellini for us, and that's hard to beat. My job was filling and folding the tortellini. Let's just say some looked better than others. 😉 After last night's big dinner, I think it will be something lighter. We'll pass on the drink , but the wine looks interesting. We have not been to Manta. @StLouisCruisers Sandi and @HAL4NOW thanks for your pictures. There's not much on the agenda today. I had a request for chocolate chip 🍪 cookies, so that will be happening a little later. @dfish Debbie, I hope the last of the painting goes smoothly. I also hope you and your sister find the perfect house. @cunnorl Charlene, glad you were able to tie up more loose ends for your cruise. Lenda

I guess it's better late than never with our rain today. This morning, we had one shower come through that dumped 0.11 inch of rain. Another came through a little while ago, but it's just sprinkling now. However, I am now hearing thunder, and hope that means more rain. The radar show light rain in the area, but it will be gone by early evening. Then we are supposed to get more rain tomorrow morning. DH's doctor visit was more of a routine visit with the PCP to keep him in the loop of what is happening and to get his take on things. UT Southwestern had sent him their findings, and he agreed with the upcoming visit with the neurosurgeon next month. Vanessa, I'm glad you and the insurance inspector worked it out so you can get your tests taken care of tomorrow moring. Thanks for the pictures. Ann, I hope you can get your diet back to normal before your cruise. Carolyn, thanks for the pictures, especially those of the orchids. Susan, add me to the list of those who hope the test was just a blip. Melissa, I'm sorry the biopsy results were not better. I'm glad your DSIL agreed to the tests so she will know exactly what she is facing and can make a more informed decision about her future. Sending best wishes that no matter what she chooses, she can be comfortable and have a decent quality of life for as long as possible. Lenda

This is what I posted on July 7.2021. I only found pictures from our 2000 world cruise on P&O Oriana and the 2015 Ruby Princess. I'll try not to repeat any pictures. We had been to Barbados several times before 2000 on various ships and cruise lines, including two calls on 1998 on the Ryndam. Each time, we've rented cars are visited various places on the island. We have always enjoyed our visits to Barbados. First a look at the port. There was a nice shopping comlex at the port. In 2015, we took the tour through Harrison's Cave. These are of the complex looking down from the top of the cliff and the elevators to reach the complex. I'll not repeat any pictures of the caves. We also stopped at Animal Flower Caves on the northern tip of the island in 2015. Since we'd toured the caves, which are partially open to the ocean, with our DDs in 1998, we did not go back down. These pictures are of the restaurant, the sea cliffs and the engrance to the caves. We also stopped at Animal Flower Caves on the northern tip of the island in 2015. Since we'd toured the caves, which are partially open to the ocean, with our DDs in 1998, we did not go back down. These pictures are of the restaurant, the sea cliffs and the engrance to the caves. A nice beach In 2000, we stopped at St. Nicholas Abbey, and old plantation house. For the Garden Club, one of the flowers in the Abbey's garden A street scene in Bridgetown In 2000, at the suggestion of the cruise staff, we stopped at the Boatyard Beach Club, and enjoyed a beer. Lenda

Good morning from a very overcast and humid central Texas. So far, we have not had a drop of rain, and now, the prediction is for it to start raining about noon and continue into tomorrow. We'll see what happens. Grief Awareness reminds us of the family members we've lost the past two years, and of all the other friends who have lost loved ones during this same time. I like the idea of Touch a Heart Tuesday, and I hope I can touch someone's heart today. We are not beach people, but I have enjoyed our stops at Half Moon Cay. Sadly, the Ray Bradbury quote is too true, especially now. The meal looks good, but tonight we'll be having the chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy we were going to have last night. We'll pass on the drink and wait to see about the wine. We have been to Bridgetown, Barbados, many times, but only two were in the digital age. I'll repost my pictures from July 7, 2021, later. @richwmn I also like several of the additional days. The intranational day of the disappeared brings to mind all those in Argentina who disappeared and the women who walked outside the Pink House to remind people. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, are very interesting, and we enjoyed our time in La Paz watching one swim. And who among us did not play with a slinky as a child? We still have an "executive" slinky I gave DH one Christmas. CC is not wanting to do the blue bubble, and I had a hard time getting the one for Rich. I guess I'll multi-quote instead. Sue, have a safe flight tomorrow and a great time in Waikiki. Jacqui, I'm glad things for the Celebration of Life are progressing. I also loved the memes, and the one about the roads are so true. Texas used to be known for having some of the best roads in the country, but not now. I also liked the one about the glasses and the mirror. I need glasses to put on my eye make-up, but then I can't apply it because the glasses are in the way. 🤣 Sandi, I'm sorry your legs were bothering you last night. I hope it's just the "it'll get worse before it gets better" part the therapist warned you about, and that it is for a short time. I'm glad Linda is doing better and that her dog is safe in a kennel. Thanks for your pictures of Barbados. Bruce, sorry about your dishwasher. I hope the appliance gremlins are not making a return to the Fleet/Daily, and that this is a one off. Enjoying your pictures of Barbados. It's good to see you back on the Fleet/Daily Enjoy your visit with DS and DBIL and safe travels. Terry, I hope everyone's struggles with lingering Covid side affects are over soon. Jack, I can sympathize with getting help from your PCC, that is if you can reach the PCC. Our long time, wonderful PCC quit in 2018 after having her second child. The next one was a disaster, and DH had to tell her how to do her job. When he talked to a supervisor, he was told, they have to learn sometime. She did not last in the job through the pandemic. The next one called us early last year, and he was very nice. When we called last fall to book cruises, he was unavailable. The new one is okay, but not outstanding. Charlene, I hope they get the problem fixed with Artemis and it goes Friday. Good luck with the shoe shopping. I'm glad the new a/c is working well. Welcome to the clean out closets group. I'll try to post this again. Just as I clicked on submit replay, I got a message that they could not upload the post due to an upgrade in progress. It has taken about 20-25 minutes for CC to come back, but at least my post was not lost. Lenda

Yes, it will carry forward from cruise to cruise. We did b2b2b2bs last fall and last spring, and our account carried forward along with any unused obc. My advice is to keep an eye on your account, and to correct any errors before the end of each cruise. They are much easier to correct during the cruise the charges appear on your account. Sometimes, you might not be able to make corrections after the new cruise starts.

Terri, I'm sorry things did not igo as you hoped, and that you are back on the prednisone, too. I hope the traffic is better next week. Lendaa

Wow, I didn't realize what affect it was having. It's too bad the surgeon's office messed up so badly and then lied. I know you would have liked to have it behind you before the move, Lenda

This "gem" I found on FB seems to sum up our rain chsnces most days when we have rain predicted. Roy, that sounds like good news to me. Any time tests are in the normal range, is a time to celebrate. Debbie, I'm glad you talked to the endocrinologist and he thought the matter could wait until you are settled in Michigan. That makes me think that while he wants the problem checked out, it is not of immediate concern. Lenda

Right now the heavy clouds from this morning have given way to blue skies and white, fluffy clouds. Of course, that is supposed to change later today. 🤞 We need more rain. The prediction for our area of the state is for a fair amount of rain. Safe travels back to the mainland tomorrow. Ann, I'm glad the trip went smoothly yesterday. Thanks for the great picture of Mt. Rainier. Glad to know canned wine can be decent. I hope the cardiologist visit goes smoothly. I'm glad you are letting the contractor and another board member fight the battle of the roof. Debbie, what a tale. I think that is why our PCP wants to be kept in the loop with all the various doctor visits DH is having. He even wants to be the one to see DH instead of his very capable PA. So far, with our insurance, we don't need pre-authorization unless the doctor requires it. I hope you get everything worked out. The information about lead in ginger had me checking my ground ginger. I use quite a bit when making gingerbread cookies. The ginger in the pantry didn't say it was imported. It is a major US brand, so I think it's probably okay. Lenda

Good morning from partly cloudy and humid central Texas. Our rain is supposed to start tonight, with chances of rain all week. Naturally, tomorrow has the highest chance of rain since DH has a doctors appointment. Luckily, it is with out PCP in town. As others have stated, bats are very important. There is a colony of bats that in the summer live under the Congress Street bridge in Austin. People gather at sunset to watch them emerge for their nightly hunt for insects. I don't cook with salt very often, but I also don't add a lot of herbs. I wish more motorists were considerate instead of just trying to get where they are going as fast a possible. I like today's quote. We'll pass on the meal and the drink. I'll wait for the wine report. We have been to Montreal and I'll repost my pictures from May 18, 2021. @kazu Jacqui, don't worry too much about the house. As @superoma Eva said, as long as it's presentable that's all that matters. Your guests will be there to see you and honor and celebrate Jose's life, not to inspect the house. BTW, just shut the doors to the messy rooms if you run out of time. @smitty34877 Terry, I'm glad an accident was avoided yesterday. I really think some drivers are getting worse by the day. @aliaschief Welcome home, and thanks for allowing us to join you on your vacation. We drove to Montreal from Dover, NJ, in 1969 or 1970, when DH was in the army. We cruised there in 2004 on the old Regal Princess b2b round trip from NYC. As Montreal was a turnaround day, we had 2 1/2 days there, but were meeting friends, one of whom joined us for the return trip to NYC. The other friend lived in St. Cathartines, ON, and took the train to Montreal to see the three of us. We did some sightseeing, including a city bus that made a loop with a stop at Mont Royal Parc overlooking the city. The first afternoon, we wandered around the underground shopping mall. The last day, which was a short one, we went out to the Olympic village. These are some of my pictures as walk around and rode on the city bus. The view from Mont Royal Parc with the Olympic swimming venue in the background. More of the fall colors The swimming venue Now, it's time to run to the store before it gets crowded. Lenda

Good afternoon where we're already in the low 90sF. This morning our thought was to go for a walk in the mall where it is cool. Instead, after getting a drive thru breakfast, we stopped at Walmart and Sam's since we were in Waco. We got away in a hurry this morning, that naturally I forgot my list. I remebered half the list and found all but one thing. The rest I can get on the next W-M trip. The rest of the afternoon will be spent relaxing, watching Nascar, and reading. Dinner will be fajitas and easy to fix. Thanks for the review of the wine. It sounds like one I want to try. Charlene, I hope you have a good view of the launch without having to fight the crowds. I'm glad you had such a good daymfor,the family picnic. A great picture of the extended family. Good news there are no problems from the demtal visit. BON VOYAGE! Jacqui, while I'm happy your wrist is better, I'm sorry your knee is still bothering you so much. Melisa, thank you for the pictures of the stained glass windows. Laura, I hope your tummy feels better soon. Good luck on the sorting and storing. Lenda

Good morning from a partly cloudy and breezy central Texas. Beginning later today, our rain chances will increase for the next week. In spite of getting two inches of rain last Monday, we still need rain. I suppose I've raced my mouse around the icons at one time or another. We'll fondly remember all our pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Red wine is enjoyed in this house. Today's quote is interesting. We will pass on the meal and the drink, and will wait for information on the wine. While we have sailed past Baie-Comeau several times going to and from Quebec City but, it has never been a port for us. @rafinmd Roy, what a touching story yesterday about the three couples. @richwmn Rich, thanks for the heads-up about @GTVCRUISER's pictures. I"ve noticed his pictures there in the past. @Cruzin Terri Terri, safe travels today and I hope a very successful doctor visit tomorrow. I'm glad you worked things out with your friend. In a similar situation I kept my distance for a few days, then resumed the friendship. I doubt she ever new how hurtful her words were, but we've been friends too long to end the friendship. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I'm glad the knee pain is better. @Cat in my lap Sorry about the pain and stiffness. If I sit too long, especially in the car, it takes a bit to get moving normally. My guess its "process aging". @smitty34877 Terry, that's good news about Tana being stable the last week or so. Sending good thoughts she remains stable for a long time. @Seasick Sailor l hope the drive to the airport and back is uneventful, and that by tonight Austin's weekend traffic has slowed down. Lenda

Normally our POA board meetings are relatively short, but not this one. Our new president is, to put it nicely, a tad bit too thorough, so the meeting dragged on. It was a chance to visit with some neighbors. Yes, those long flights can be a killer. Lately, we've booked business class with lay flat seats. We found Flight Ease often has good deals on business class, several thousand dollars less than booking through the airlines. Susan, I can feel your frustration since they haven't found our leak either. I hope the contractor figures it out soon. I hope the doctor appointment Monday goes well. Lenda

Terri, I'm glad you are going to put the hurt behind you and keep the friendship. I'm also glad your appointment with the hand surgeon was moved up. Jack, why not do both cruises? Melisa, it's good news your DSIL is home and resting comfortably. Sending positive thoughts to help her make the best decision for her about going forward. Lenda