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Good afternoon, time for a quick check-in. We went shopping this morning and after about 30 minutes DH said he was going back to the car - a signal to me he's losing ground. I sincerely hope his case for the valve replacement is approved this week and that the surgery can be done before the end of May as was suggested. @Cruzin TerriI'm sorry you had to cancel your trip; having had to do the same thing only a few days before departure, I can sympathize with how you must feel. You know, though, that you did make the right decision for both of you. @shadow 123Welcome to the Daily; we hope you enjoy your visits - you're among friends. @Niagarawineyou made me laugh. What most people don't know is that many of us have decoder rings in our arsenal and are able to figure out pretty much any of the typos we produce. @kochleffelwishing you a Blessed Passover. Looks like a bit of a storm blowing through Port Everglades right now - I missed capturing it a few minutes ago when you couldn't see even the outlines of any of the ships.

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! DH could have been a chemist, as that was one of his degrees, but he chose education instead. We do celebrate Earth Day; a couple of years ago I made some great cloth bags out of table runners I found at the dollar store and they're still holding up well after many washings. Yay for all Girl Scout leaders. Wow, it's still early and we're already on page 3; I guess that comes from the individual posting of good wishes. When I got up the sky looked grey and strange - that's because it rained overnight. It's partially cleared up now, but according to the forecast we could have more showers until mid-afternoon. Fine by me, as it helps take down the snow that we received last week and provides extra moisture for the trees and grass. @JazzyVprayers for you and your medical team as you have your surgery today. @summer slopeBon Voyage; have a wonderful cruise! @Rowsbywishing you a very Happy Birthday with many healthy and happy returns of the day. @grapau27sending comforting thoughts as you commemorate your late Mam's birthday. @1ANGELCAThugs across the miles; the anniversary of the passing of our parents is always a sad day to mark. I hope it helps knowing others care. Not a lot on our plates today, just some laundry and a bit of shopping to do this morning. This afternoon I'll head back to the sewing machine and finish off the coasters - yesterday I put together another couple of sets and sewed all but 2 of the 13 sets before it was time to quit. Today I have to finish sewing the last 2, then iron each of them, and do the topstitching before putting them away. I've never had a Fujiyama, but it sounds interesting. Pretty sure I'd like the wine, and we often have coleslaw as a side dish. I like coleslaw, but prefer a creamy dressing, and don't like it when people put horseradish into it. Yuck. Tonight's dinner will be easy - I've got a container of turkey soup thawing that we'll enjoy with cheese croissants at the kitchen table. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in turmoil. Cheers to all who have celebrations happening today. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

That's all I can do for today; the next BHB sailaway isn't for quite a while, I believe. Smooth Sailing to all on ships today. Till next time!

Jacqui and Debbie are immediately to the left of Rich.

Bon Voyage; caught you!!!

Can't edit it, but I caught them!

Great toots!

I know the Volendam is more nimble than the big ones, but she sure doesn't have the PP onboard today!

I agree; I'm excited for them!

She'll be comin' round the building when she comes . . .

A gorgeous day for sail-away; 30 degrees.

Interesting listening to the chatter; one of the ships has had the police there, and security is removing the luggage "and the female guest". Yikes!!! Not sure which ship, but it certainly sounds serious.

Checking in and ready to wave!

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Lately I'm seeing more products with hemp in them - a viable alternative crop for farmers not far from here. Our small town didn't have Kindergarten so I went from home right into grade 1. I love cashews and I love chocolate, so when you put them together ***YUMMY*** So many wonderful celebrations today: @kazuBon Voyage; I hope you and your BFF have a wonderful time! @VMax1700Bon Voyage - have a great cruise! @bennybearWishing you and DH a Happy Golden Anniversary! @sailingdutchyHappy Birthday with many happy and healthy returns of the day! @smitty34877so happy to hear Tana was able to sit with the family for dinner - baby steps! The sun is shining brightly this morning and although we're currently only at -1C, the predicted high is +15(59F), so that will help melt down the snow we have over the past few days. Under the snow is green grass, which I'm sure will be helped with the additional moisture, so I can't complain too much. Not a lot happening for us today - will watch sail-away this afternoon and try to pick out Jacqui from the seaview pool. Before and after that I'm going to be settled in front of the sewing machine, as yesterday I pieced, ironed and pinned 11 more sets of coasters that need to be sewn, ironed and top-stitched. I'd like to try the drink of the day, will pass on the white wine, and like the sound of the first recipe for today's menu suggestion. DH really enjoyed last night's dinner and asked if we could have it again tonight - I told him he was in luck, as we have enough leftovers that we can certainly do that! All I have to do is reheat the leftovers, set the table and we're good for dinner tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in turmoil. Cheers to all with celebrations today. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Looking forward to following along with you. Where will you be for sail-away? I’ll be waving at you from in front of my computer. Bon Voyage!

Atta girl! What hotel are you staying where they want you to pay for wi fi? Re flights; did you fly Air Canada? Sounds like something they’d provide. Money for nothing.

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I only know one word in Chinese, that's thank you - pronounced shay-shay. I had to look up cli-fi day, but understand now it's climate change fiction. Cheddar cheese fries sound good, but I prefer mine naked with Dive-In sauce on the side, please. The sun is shining brightly and there doesn't appear to be any wind - according to the weather app, it should go up to +9 (48F) today, so that will help melt the snow we've received the past 3 days. Thankfully our fellow showed up again yesterday and shoveled - hopefully for the last time for a number of months! I might be tempting fate, but yesterday I took out a couple of extra winter coats I've had in storage, bagged them up and have them ready for donating to the Salvation Army on our next run that way. I hope @kazu's flight went well and she was able to settle in to her hotel and relax before heading out tomorrow on her cruise. @Seasick SailorI've been thinking about Allen's eczema, hoping it is getting better - you haven't mentioned it lately. Thank you @rafinmd for the map of Japan - it brought back such wonderful memories of our time there visiting the different cities - Tokyo, Chiba, Kanazawa, Ibaraki, Saitama, Yamanashi, Kyoto, and more. Not a lot happening here today, so this morning DH and I will do a run by Tim Horton's to pick up coffee and muffins and head over to see our friend Ollie. When we were in Calgary at IKEA I picked up a few extra packages of tea lights and napkins as a little pick-me-up gift for her, so we'll have a visit and deliver them. Like @marshhawk said, I think we're all in the Indian Summer of our lives, referring to the quote. After reading the ingredients of the drink, will give it a pass, would really like to try the wine if someone paid for it, and would take the menu suggestion if the brussels sprouts were left out or on the side. I found a recipe online the other day for air fryer panko/parmesan chicken breasts that I plan on making and will serve that along with mini baked potatoes and asparagus at the kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in turmoil. Cheers to all who have something to celebrate today, even it if just means getting out of bed to face the day. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Looking forward to following along with you! Bon Voyage!!

@luvteachingsending comforting thoughts as you and the family say farewell to your DSIL. @bennybeargood luck at the oncologist today. Just wondering how much snow you received . . . it appears we brought the whole darn storm home with us. @JazzyVyay on the approval for your surgery. You and your surgical team will be in my prayers for a successful surgery that relieves you of the awful pain you've been enduring, and the hope that you'll finally get a full night's sleep once it's over. @aliaschiefwhat an amazing (pardon the pun) set up for your Indian evening experience. I see they have open barbecues on deck . . . why can't HAL do that any longer? I remember the great cook-outs they once held, but that's all in the past, I guess.

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Sure hope the hernia is caught early in a child's life, respect to John Parker and anyone involved in wars, and oh my gosh, what would the world be without garlic? I used 5 cloves in last night's lemon garlic shrimp pasta and could have used more. @kazusafe travels today; I hope you and your BFF enjoy your cruise to the fullest! @RMLincolnprayers for an easy transition for your DSIL; waiting is difficult. @Mr. Bostongood luck with your move! @Haljo1935is there a neighbour you could call on to care for your kitty? We have a Ragdoll who is v-e-r-y social and for our absences of about a week, have a neighbour come in twice a day to feed her and scoop the litter box. For longer trips, we hire one of her sons to live in; that way it keeps the insurance people happy that the house isn't vacant, and Sochi is happy also. @JazzyVhang in there girl, relief is in sight - I hope you get relief from your pain with your upcoming surgery. @smitty34877sending good vibes your way for comfort for Tana, and rest for you; your tank must be almost empty. It might have stopped snowing, we can't be sure. Listening to the radio, it appears the highways in and out of the city are listed as "travel not recommended" due to ice and low visibility. One fellow just reported that coming from one of the bedroom communities about 20 miles away, there were 5 cars and 2 semis in the ditch between his house and the city. SO glad we don't have to go anywhere. Our shoveler showed up again yesterday and he'll be needed again today; it's April 19th, the snow has to stop soon!!! Yesterday we called the TAVR clinic and spoke with the coordinator who told us that 2 weeks ago when DH's case was to be presented before the provincial panel, the cardiologist who was to present it was ill with pneumonia, so it didn't happen. Another meet is scheduled for this coming week and after listening to what DH had to say about how he feels himself deteriorating, she said she would put him on the "urgent" list and is hopeful that he will be able to get the aortic valve implant by the end of May. Prayers that it will be! Not much on our agenda; while we stopped at the Walmarts along the way to and from Calgary, I picked up some additional fabric that I can put to use for making coasters. I've washed, dried and ironed(I never iron anything except when I'm sewing) the fabric, so today I think I'll spend time cutting out the pieces and getting them ready for assembly-line sewing. I'm going to pass on the drink of the day, think the wine would be quite sweet (Juicy Fruit), and will pass on the menu suggestion. It's Friday night pizza night here, so later this afternoon we'll check the online menus to see what cheesy goodness will be served at our kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in turmoil. Cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Through our various travels we've seen many monuments and sites, I love the taste of animal crackers, and we do appreciate linemen who have dangerous jobs that the rest of us wouldn't want to tackle. Aaannnddd it's still snowing. Argh. I thought when I went to bed last night that it would stop, but today there's a strong wind blowing with it as well, and listening to the radio, it appears highways around the city are in terrible condition. The only saving graces are that it isn't frigidly cold, only -6C (21), and that the snow is thick, wet and heavy which means it will provide much needed moisture for the farmers and forests. Yesterday afternoon the doorbell rang and our sweet young man was there with his shovel, letting us know he was going to do the driveway, sidewalks and patio. What a gem. Happy Birthday @sailingdutchy's DW Martha, @Cruzin Terri's DH Jim and @StLouisCruisers niece Lisa; I wish you all many happy returns of the day. @kazuI'm delighted to hear your physician gave you the go-ahead for your cruise, and that your foot issue caused by a pedicure is able to be healed. We were lazy yesterday, didn't do a whole lot with the weather other than laundry. I found a half loaf of bread in the freezer so that meant we didn't have to even go out for groceries, but we definitely need to do that today or Sochi will be looking to gnaw on one of our fingers for sustenance. Other than that there's not much planned for us, just hanging around and living life. I'd like to try the drink of the day - one would suffice I'm sure! Pretty sure I'd enjoy the wine, and wow on the menu suggestion. I'd probably cheat a big and buy a tub of spinach/artichoke dip and use that instead of making it from scratch. Tonight I'm making something I haven't done in a while - DH has asked for lemon garlic shrimp pasta which we'll have with a side salad at our kitchen table. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in turmoil. Cheers to all with celebrations happening. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Ellis Island was such an important place for so many families who were seeking a new and better life. I wasn't a mustang girl, my pride and joy was a 1973 AMC Javelin; it had a 360 V8 that went v-e-r-y fast! I'm back, and after returning home through rain that changed to snow, I was able to speed read through last week's posts. WOW, did I miss a lot! First of all, my heartfelt condolences to @atexsix, @puppycanducruise and @Mr. Boston on your losses. @Gsel and @LambKnuckleswelcome to the Daily; it's always nice to see new people join the group. @kazuOh my, you poor thing! I'm sending healing vibes and good thoughts for your medical appt tomorrow; you just can't seem to catch a break! @superoma congratulations on the new little one to cuddle and welcome to little Laine Alanna! @kochleffel and @marshhawk we're going to have to special order bubble wrap online and have it delivered to the two of you! While in Calgary I received word that my best friend from high school (we were inseparable, as we were two Gerry's - she was Gerrie though - and were each other's bridesmaids/matrons of honour at our weddings) had passed away from a brief battle with cancer. And a day later, another friend from high school texted me to say another classmate had died of ALS. Sad, but we're reaching that stage of our lives where we're having to say goodbye to dear friends and just cherish the memories of time spent together. We had a great time in Calgary with our family; it was a whirlwind of activity. The birthday boy said he'd rather have 2 gifts and a meal at the restaurant of his choice, than a regular birthday party, so that's what happened. He received 2 large Lego sets (one of the flower bouquets designed for 18+, and a Star Wars set), and we went to a great sushi restaurant for the celebration. Of course we took the little one (age 4) from his daycare to we could spend time with him, and went shopping. You forget how exciting life is for a 4 year old just driving down the freeway: "Grandma, look, a dump truck! An ambulance! A garbage truck! A police car with his lights and sirens going past us!" Thankfully the latter went past us. LOL When we got up yesterday morning we were greeted with about 4 inches of wet, heavy snow; it took DH almost 30 minutes to get the car cleared off so we could leave. Along the drive (6 hours) we encountered rain, snow, rain, sleet, and finally more rain as we drove into Saskatoon. This morning we woke up to everything covered in white thick heavy snow, just like yesterday's in Calgary and we're expecting to have it continue for the next 48 hours, dropping a possible 15cm's (6") when it's done. Sigh. Springtime on the "frozen tundra". Today we have to get groceries (as I cleaned out the fridge before we left) to pick up essentials, and then it's time to do the laundry. Mundane, but back to our routine again. While we were away I did manage to make 3 more blankets (our oldest had watched a crocheting demo on You Tube and asked if he could help with a few stitches - he did an admirable job for a novice!), and was able to stop at the Walmarts along our trip both ways to purchase more yarn, so I'm set for a while now. I'd like to try the drink, am pretty sure I'd like the wine, an oh my, I'd love to try the pie. I do like rhubarb pie - as does DH, so I'm going to take a close look at those recipes. First night home means we're going to have a simple meal - panko crusted air fried salmon, mini baked potatoes and coleslaw will be what's happening at our kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in turmoil, and in wars. Cheers to all who have celebrations going on today. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I had to look up Jenkins Ear Day ... ouch!! I love elephants, and feel sorry for poor Jumbo being paraded around like that. I'll cherish the antique I'm married to. Thank you for the anniversary wishes, it's hard to believe it's been 47 years that we've been together. As I said on my FB post this morning, things have been better, they've been worse; we've been richer and we've been poorer, but through it all we've loved and laughed, and we are truly blessed. Here we are in all our finery at our tiny wedding in my in-law's living room (only 18 in attendance). @luvteaching I know today is a bittersweet day for you as you celebrate your birthday and also it should have been your 47th wedding anniversary. I hope the memories of the years and times you shared will bring you some comfort. Sending you hugs across the miles. @grapau27good luck at your skin cancer check-up today. @rafinmdI hope the cardiologist appointment meant things were on an even keel for you. @Quartzsite Cruiserhoping all goes well for DH's CT scan today. This morning we are heading out to a lovely restaurant by the river called Scarlet where we've gone - with the exception of the 2 Covid years, and the 2 when we were in Japan - every year on our anniversary. When we were working, we'd both take the day off, go for breakfast and enjoy watching all the people going by as they were headed off to work while we were relaxing with a nicely served breakfast and coffee. Looking at the memories section of FB, on this day in 2012 and 2016 we were in Tokyo - the first time so I could officiate our son's wedding, and the second so that the Japanese grandparents could meet their first grandchild. Great memories of both experiences. I'd love to try the drink, but bet that bartenders wouldn't enjoy making it - they want to do it quick and easy, while this takes "less than 5 minutes" which in bartending minutes is a long time! I'll pass on the wine, but do enjoy broccoli and cheese egg muffins. The kitchen is closed in our house today, so we'll be enjoying something delicious that is prepared and served by others at a lovely Greek restaurant tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in turmoil. Cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! In high school, our DS was part of the D.A.R.E. group and was shunned by a number of others at the school because of his affiliation. Interestingly enough, I saw some of those same classmates in my courtroom for having engaged in drugs and dealing, so what goes around comes around. I'm still proud of his standing and ethics; it couldn't have been easy for a teenager. Can someone please draw a bird for me? I have no artistic ability. The Romani culture is an interesting one to be sure. Right now it's only partially cloudy, but according to the weather app, it is likely to be cloudy most of the day. That's the way it's been here for absolutely ever - you have no idea how many celestial events we've missed because of clouds. I guess the positive part is that I'll save my eyesight by watching the eclipse on television. Happy Birthday to @StLouisCruisers, DS Linda, and to @Norseh2o; I hope you have a great day of celebration. Happy Anniversary to @erewhon and @Overhead Fred; wishing you and your spouses many more years of love and laughter together. Not much on the agenda today except getting the car washed and an oil change so it's ready for us to head off to Calgary on Wednesday. I'm going to take a pass on the drink of the day, as it makes my teeth hurt just thinking about it! The wine may be good, but a little pricey, and if I was making today's menu suggestion, I'd leave out the artichokes. I need to use up some things in the fridge, so tonight it's going to be Denver omelettes and fruit bread toast for us at the kitchen table. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, in pain, in grief, and in wars not of their making. Cheers to all our Daily family who are celebrating today. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry