Quartzsite Cruiser

On another visit to Marseille, we wanted to take the boat out to tour the Chateau D'If, but unfortunately, it was closed for repairs. Instead, we took the boat to Les Iles and wandered around for a while. I thought the name of the boat was very appropriate, Edmond Dantes. We got a close up view of the Chateau D'If on the way back to the Vieux Port. And this stunning view of Notre-Dame de la Garde as we cruised into the Vieux Port. Just a few pictures from our day in Marseille in 2019. We took the Ho-Ho, and then walked in the area that was several blocks back from the Vieux Port. The area in front of the Vieux Port that used to be an open area. Different scenes of Marseille Lenda

We were in Marseille five times from 2001 through 2008, with a sixth stop in 2019. All but the first time, were on a BHB, Noordam III, Prinsendam and Veendam. In 2001 we were there on Golden Princess on her inaugural TA. The change in the area around the Vieux Port between 2008 and 2019 was unbelievable, and the number of people was also a big change. I am glad we were there before it got really crowded. In 2001, we went to Arles and Les Baux, but I don't have any pictures of Les Baux that really show the place. These pictures are from Arles, where we stopped at an Roman amphitheater.. There are pictures of the town from the top of the amphitheater. On one stop in 2002, we went to Aix-en-Provence. I found these pictures taken when we were in Les Baux. They don't show the town but the surrounding area from Les Baux. It is another very old walled town on top of a tall hill. Our lunch that day was duck a l'orange, and it was the best I've ever eaten. Lenda

Good morning from a partly cloudy and cooler central Texas. It is currently 65F with a predicted high of 79F. It looks like we won't have any rain during the day, but it will return this evening and last through Monday morning if the prediction holds. We had some rain overnight, but I don't know how much yet. We also had quite a lightning and thunder show last night. I'm not sure what we'll be doing today. I try not to have lumpy rugs or two wear two different colored shoes, which I've done once that I remember. Special-abled pets deserve a day everyday. However, as Dr. Pol says, they don't know they are disabled. An interesting quote today from J. K. Rowling, but I don't completely agree with it. Debbie, @dfish you can have my carrot cake. I've had it before and liked it, but I very much prefer chocolate cake. We'll pass on the drink, but would like to try the wine if it weren't for the price. We have been to Marseille many times beginning in 2001 on Princess and mostly on BHBs. Another good day in literary history with Margaret Mitchell winning the Pulitzer Prize for Gone With the Wind in 1937. I've enjoyed both the book and the movie. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I hope you get a better night's sleep tonight. @1ANGELCAT I hope the vet can help Houdini today, and I'm glad he is eating a little. @dfish Debbie, I'm glad the test shots are still working, but I'm sorry your neck is not causing problems. @Heartgrove Safe travels today and tomorrow, Jack. @marshhawk Annie, hugs to you and Chuck. I forgot to mention that yesterday when you said you like your big boss except he didn't like cats, I thought of my favorite line from "Some Like It Hot", "Nobody's perfect." Lenda

Maureen, thanks for asking. We have no flooding where we live. Our little community sits on a bluff and set back from a lake. I'm glad Plan B is working. Lenda

Gerry, that's really awesome news. I bet we're all doing a happy dance. Lenda

Debbie, I'm very happy that the test injections worked and you can now have the ablation. The trillium ae pretty. Lenda

Thank you, Graham. Lenda

Gerry, I'm glad you could do a quick getaway and meet and visit with long time friends. Great picture. Debbie, fingers crossed the test injections work and you can schedule the nerve ablation. Vanessa, I'm glad you are sleeping well and the pain from the incision is easing. The best news continues to be no leg pain and tingling. Enjoy a much deserved dinner out tonight. Lenda

We have been to Montevideo twice. The first time was in 1999 on Noordam III in the time of non digital cameras. The second was in 2015 on the Ruby Princess. We walked around town some and then took the Ho-Ho. When we saw the long line at the first stop, we just stayed on until we got back to the starting point. My pictures are just random ones from the Ho-Ho and from our walk. We were there on a Sunday, and most of the stores were closed. The activity picked up a little in the afternoon. Some scenes from our Ho-Ho ride. A view of their lovely beaches. After our tour, we walked around and back to the port. These are from an indoor arcade. Some interesting things around the port entrance. Pictures as we sailed, including the lighthouse on top of the building. Lenda

Good soggy morning from central Texas. It the overnight rain, which dumped 1.22 inches, has stopped. One loud clap of thunder woke me up sometime during the night, but I rolled over and went back to sleep. There was one other loud clap shortly before 7am this morning. It is currently 65F with a predicted high of 80F, and the sun is beginning to break through the clouds. The main thing on the agenda today is laundry. I think Sharon @Sharon in AZ should be all right flying into DFW later today. The rain there looks like it has stopped. Things should be back to normal by the time she arrives in Dallas. Waco looks okay too except for a chance of rain about 4pm. However, the entire area will see more rain later tonight and into tomorrow. Three interesting days with all insurance being a necessary evil. Most meetings I have attended used Roberts Rule of Order as a suggestion, and we should all be aware of scurvy. My first thought when I read the quote was it was a Mark Twain quote instead of one by Maurice Switzer. I have heard the quote many times. We'll pass on the meal and definitely on the drink. The wine will also get a pass. We have visited Montevideo twice, and I'll retrieve my pictures next. An interesting day in history for drama with Arthur Miller winning the Pulitzer Prize. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, safe travels to you and Dennis, and enjoy your weekend with the family. @RMLincoln Maureen, I hope the eye pressure is within normal limits today. @Cruzin Terri Terri, I hope you get some answers about your shoulder when you see the orthopedist later this month. I hope the support group will help you, even if it's just knowing you you are not alone. @Heartgrove Safe travels tomorrow, Jack. @1ANGELCAT I hope the vet can help Houdini. He's a handsome boy. @marshhawk Annie, I agree with Maureen @RMLincoln that having one doctor coordinating all of your DH's appointments and treatments is a good idea. MD Anderson is a great hospital for cancer treatment. Whatever you decided and whatever the future holds for both of you, know that we all are supporting you and keeping you in our thoughts. @Seasick Sailor Joy, I know you will enjoy your Japan cruise. @VMax1700 Colin, we did the Santiago de Compostela tour and enjoyed it. Lenda

Annie, you both have been hit with a lot of bad news all at once, and I can't begin to imagine how difficult it is to process. I wish there was a way to help you cope, but know we are sending you our best wishes, very positive thoughts, and all the support we can. Big virtual ((((((((HUGS)))))))) to both of you. Lenda

Denise, I hope all the eggs hatch and that your DGS 4-H project is not affected by this. I'm sorry the neighbor's dog killed his ducks and chickens. Lenda

Good morning. Finally, the guy who has been working on our leaky roof off and on was here today. He is also working on another neighbor's roof that has the same problem, but with more places leaking. That roof has given the roofer some more ideas of what the problem may be, and he is going to be back in a few days to try another fix in a few areas. Fingers are crossed that this time it will be fixed. It seems the problem might be where the metal sheets overlap and are no longer staying together. If and when, the leaks are stopped, then we'll worry about getting the ceiling repaired. Terry, I'm glad you got some answers and some solutions yesterday. I'm also glad you are getting help when you need to lift Tana. Cute pictures of cute dogs. Terri, I'm glad all your communication devices are working again. Sometimes holding your own is very good. Gerry, that is indeed good news that your DH has an unofficial date for his new valve and a backup date. I'm glad Wayne is doing well after receiving the pacemaker. I hope the cardiac ablation solves the afib problem. Safe travels to Chicago today and to Rotterdam tomorrow. Annie, thank you for your Juneau pictures. I'm sorry there was no good news for your DH. We are all here for both of you when you are ready to talk about it. Otherwise, you both will be in our thoughts. Lenda

Looking back through my pictures of Juneau, I realized the 12 Visits I mentioned earlier were the ones on HAL. We have also been there three times on Princess and once on the Matanuska. I've also found a few more different pictures, many from the times we rented a car for the day. A interesting tree on Mount Roberts The cable car station on Mount Roberts In 2012, we did b2b2bs on Amsterdam. The second time we were in Juneau we took a cruise on the steamboat Susanna. There are remnants of an old mine and ore processing plant on Douglas Island across the Gastineau Channel from Juneau. This is part of the facility that can been seen from the ship as you sail down the channel. You can get to the Treadwell Mine Trail at the south end town on Douglas Island. These are a couple of the buildings still left in 2012. We have also driven as far north of Juneau as Highway 7 goes. There are several nice beaches along the highway. A different view of the fish hatchery. These food stands are very popular with the crew. In 2018, we joined many of the Zaandam's crew and enjoyed some lumpia. Two locals hanging out at the dock Lenda

We have been to Juneau on at least 12 cruises, plus a stop on the Alaska Marine Highway when we didn't get off the ferry. To get out of the Texas summer, we started doing b2b2b2b cruises. Also, we found that doing 2 or more b2bs, we have a better chance for good weather (meaning clouds, no rain) at least once in each port. In 2018, Alaska was having a heatwave in the southeastern part of the state, so we had tremendous weather all but the last time in Juneau. Our first cruise there, we took a helicopter flight to Taku glacier. We landed on the glacier and when we took off, the pilot flew through some wide crevasses. Unfortunately, those pictures are in a photo album. For the most part, I tried to pick pictures a little off the beaten path. The first two are from Douglas Island, taken the day we rented a car. Volendam was with the Zaandam that day. We saw this statue as we came across the bridge back into Juneau. In 2015, we were on Statendam for her final call in Juneau before heading to Singapore and then to Australia. The day we rented a car in Juneau in 2015, we saw this bear up close and personal at the boardwalk by the parking lot at the Mendenhall Glacier. Fortunately, there was a strong fence between us and the bear. Finally, a classic picture of Juneau without the classic Juneau weather. Lenda

🐰 RABBIT 🐰 RABBIT 🐇 WHITE RABBIT! Good morning from another cloudy day in central Texas. It is 69F with a 8mph wind and 96% humidity. The dew point is 67F. Our high will be 80F with the chances of rain starting about 3pm, but the best chance of rain starts a little later, and is predicted to last through early morning tomorrow. There will be chances of rain off and on through Monday morning. Law Day, Couples Appreciation Day and Loyalty Day are all good days to honor. It is also Lei Day in Hawaii. I'm not sure about how I feel about the John Green quote. We'll pass on the meal, but will be having the rest of the mushroom soup chicken from the other night. It's a childhood favorite of mine, and DH also likes it. I'll take a Cuba Libre made with Captain Morgan's rum. I've always heard, its a Cuba Libre if it has lime in it, otherwise, it's just rum and coke. I would love to try the wine, but some else will need to buy it for me to taste. I've lost count on how many times we've been to Juneau, and we've been there in all kinds of weather. Our first time in Juneau was on the old Sky Princess in 1993. At least, I think that was the year. Commemorating the 1701 Acts of Union is an important day in UK history @grapau27 Thanks for the explanations today, Graham. Nice lunch, too. @MISTER 67 I hope the new crown arrives before your cruise. Our dentist has a 3D printer that makes the crown, so it's one and done. @dfish Safe travels home, Debbie. @cunnorl Charlene, sorry about needing a new a/c. I hope the doctor appointment goes well, and that the board meeting goes very smoothly. @kazu Jacqui, thinking of you today. @ottahand7 Nancy, thanks for the swan video and the great pictures. @marshhawk Annie, I'll be thinking about you and Chuck @catmando today, and I hope the doctor will have some good answers for you. Lenda

Good afternoon. I got all but one errand done, and that one will be done on the way to the hair cut appointment. I just have to drop off a form and a copy of the receipt at the electric coop's office to that we will get the rebate on the work done yesterday. My reaction was the same as Ann's @cat shepard. Don't be shy, and tell us how you really feel about the White Sox. Gerry, your mentioning about catching more flies with honey than vinegar made me smile and a little teary. My paternal grandmother was always saying that. I hope you get a good answer about the case presentation. I hope the pacemaker solves Wayne's problems. My thoughts exactly. You know what they say about great minds. 😉 Vanessa, I'm very glad you are getting plenty of sleep. It must have felt good to get out of the house for a bit. Maybe the White Sox will follow the Mets history. Remember the Miracle Mets in 1969. Bruno, thank you for checking in with us. I'm sorry you are having a rough time, and please remember to take care of yourself and to make time to do something nice. That is great news about your DH being cancer free and graduating from oncology. I hope you don't have to wait too long for the hip surgery. Have you tried steroid shots while you are waiting? Enjoy your cruise. That is not the best news for Wally or his owner. And what a cruel way to scare someone. Lenda

Good morning from another cloudy start to the day in central Texas. It is currently 69F with a expected high of 81F. There is no fog today, and we should see some sunshine this afternoon. The rain will return early tomorrow morning. Another busy day with a couple of stops in town, and a trip to the county seat to register one car. This is the last day the current registration is valid. I've waited this long hoping the other car is out of the shop by now, but they are still waiting on a part. While I'm that close, I'll stop at W-M. This afternoon will be a much needed haircut. Animal Advocacy Day should be everyday. If we don't speak for the animals, no one will. Beltane is new to me, and thanks to Graham @grapau27 for telling us about it. Bugs Bunny was not my favorite cartoon character. An interesting and amusing quote by Hans Christian Andersen. We like fried rice, but we'll pass on today's meal We'll also pass on the drink and the wine. We docked in Kahului on February 8 on Koningsdam. I posted my pictures on February 24 when Lahaina was the port of the day. While we've driven through Kahului on several visits to Lahaina, I don't have any pictures of the town. The advertisement of Mr. Potato Head in 1952 has been a trivia question in the past. @RMLincoln Maureen, I'm glad the eye pressure is lower. You and your family will be in my thoughts today as you say goodbye to DSIL. @MISTER 67 Our condolences on the Lightning's loss last night. @StLouisCruisers Sandy, the graduation tree is a very nice thought, and it looks lovely. @LambKnuckles Enjoy the Austin zoo. I didn't realize there was a zoo in Austin. @marshhawk Annie, I hope the doctor's visit today gives both of you some answers and solutions. HUGS! @VMax1700 Colin, thanks for the picture of the sunrise by the Rock. Lenda

@lobsternight A VERY HAPPY 31ST ANNIVERSARY! Lenda

Maureen, I'm sorry there were complications from the Richard’s eye surgery. I hooe the fix works. Lenda

Good afternoon after a longer than expected afternoon. Nothing note worthy, but just time consuming. Still the yard is mowed and the rest of the weed killer is sprayed. Also, the a/c and furnace are checked, cleaned and tuned up. The other change in plans is fajitas for dinner instead of steak. At least, is was a warm sunny afternoon, and a nice day to be outside. Carolyn, I hope they can get a replacement video for you. I believe you especially since I saw the story on a news feed. Susan, I hope you feel better soon. Dogs are good nurses, especially when they want the meal schedule back to normal. 😉 It was very nice of your neighbor to help you with your storage unit and to take things to the thrift story. Annie, this is one of those times when words seem so very inadequate. I'm sorry the pain clinic could not help Chuck and now the problem with the hole in his cheek. I'm glad he could get an appointment for tomorrow. I hope the doctor and the cancer dermatologist can find a way to help him. In the meantime, positive thoughts and big virtual hugs heading to both of you. Nancy, I'm glad your appointment went well. Steroid shots helped DH for many years. Karen, I know you are proud of your DS for going back to school and doing well. Our condolences to the families of the three police officers, the other members of the police force and the officers' friends. Carolyn, thanks for the update about Amber, which is mostly good news. I hope the doctors can control the swelling and high BP. Positive thoughts for her recovery. Lenda

We were pleasantly surprised when the phone repairman arrived before 9 am. It turns out, when they installed the fiber optic cable, they forgot one final step; so we were really without the landline for almost three weeks. That shows how often we use the landline. It is warming up, but still humid, and I see patches of blue sky. I'm heading out shortly to start on the yard work. I want to have the area around the a/c until finished before the technicians get here to perform the annual maintenance work. Brenda, thanks for more wonderful pictures from Japan. We have enjoyed our visits there, but there is a lot of Japan we have not seen. Lend

Nancy, I hope your appointment goes well today. Safe travels in the rain. I'm sorry the death count is now five. Our condolences to the families of those killed in the tornado. Vanessa, it's good you are still sleeping well. I hope the pain from the incision is gone soon, but it is a good reminder not to bend over. Gerry, I hope you get some good news from the cardiac clinic today. Roy, DH's DSIL signed us up to on CC in 2002, and we went to one of the first M&Gs on Rhapsody of the Seas in September 2002. We followed CC and roll calls for several years, and CC was much like it is today, except maybe a little more polite. I don't remember if there was a Fleet Report that early. BTW, you will notice it says we joined CC on August 24, 2008. That is because we didn't login for many years, only lurked. Then, when we wanted to post on a roll call, we couldn't remember our password. That's when DH created Quartzsite Cruiser. Lenda

Oops! I didn't catch an important typo in time to change it. The German Reunification Treaty was signed on October 3, 1989. I guess I went too far back to the future. In 2005, we disembarked Marco Polo in Warnemunde and took a train into what had been East Berlin. Before checking into the hotel, we had a city tour and a river tour or Berlin. The next day, DH and I toured Berlin on our own. In 2005, there were still sections of the Berlin Wall left in place to remind people of the divided city. There is a line going around what was East Berlin where the wall had stood. The Brandenburg Gate Of course, I couldn't forget Checkpoint Charlie looking to the west. There is a good museum in the building on the left side of the second picture. Lenda

Good morning from a very foggy central Texas. It is currently 67F with a predicted high of 81F and sun this afternoon. It will be a busy day between mowing the grass, the a/c tune up this afternoon, and someone coming to fix our land line. Yes, we still have a land line since it is necessary for the internet. We now have a fiber optic cable coming to the house, and what a difference the speed is over the old DSL. Our phone has been out since at least April 17, but we didn't realize it until last week when the PCP's nurse said she'd been trying to call me for a week. I'll celebrate Peace Rose Day, World Wish Day and Zipper Day. A very interesting quote from Henri Nouwen, but I think everyone in our lives are important unless they are truly toxic. The meal sounds good as a side dish, but not today. We may take advantage of the good weather and grill a steak tonight. The drink sounds good, and I hope I remember it the next time I'm on a BHB. We'll pass on the wine. We have not been to Kochi, so no pictures. This day in 1990 is a good day in history when the Berlin Wall was taken down at the Brandenburg Gate. However, the official date for the Berlin Wall coming down is November 9, 1989. during the Peaceful Revolution. That is when part of the wall came down. Germany was officially reunified on October 3. 1929, when the reunification treaty was ratified. @grapau27 Graham, thank you all the information about the days. @aliaschief Bruce, I'm glad the ship is taking anti-pirate precautions. We were told that cruise ships can out run the pirates' boats, but it's still good to be prepared. @seagarsmoker That is good news the new job is going well. @summer slope Dixie, I hope the chiropractor can help with the lingering effects of the accident. @marshhawk Annie, I hope the appointment at the pain clinic goes well, and they can help Chuck. @smitty34877 Terry, I hope the rheumatologist can help with the RA flare, and that you shoulder is better. @RMLincoln Maureen, best wishes for DH's appointment today. I hope the doctor is pleased with the progress after the surgery. Lenda