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Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! DH is skeptical about a number of things. My silly saying is: You can grow old, but you don't have to grow up. Sight is so important and needs to be protected. We've got an overcast and breezy day again - wow, the leaves are really coming down, although I can still see a couple of poplar trees behind us that are fully green. If they come down after a snow, that means a real mess for us in spring. A few minutes ago we had about 20 geese noisily flying over the yard in a southerly direction - maybe they know something we don't? DH's daughter and her mother are also on the Nieuw Amsterdam and she messaged us the other day to say that Guatemala was being removed from the itinerary due to civil unrest and rioting in the streets. Today they are supposed to be in El Salvador; not sure that's a much better option, but that's where they are. I mentioned the safety factor to her and was told they were going on a ship's excursion, so keeping our fingers crossed for all of them! @mamaofamiI'm sorry to hear Sam spent so little time at home and is now back in hospital. Hopefully they can get his breathing under control so he can return to you quickly. I know @marshhawkusually doesn't check in once they've left for a trip, but do wish them safety and happiness as they explore Rome before heading to their cruise. In about an hour I'm going to call the physician's office to see what the results were of the x-rays and ultrasound on my shoulder. While watching the ultrasound, I asked the technician what one of the images was; her reply: "That's where Neil Armstrong landed on the moon." Then apologized that she couldn't tell me anything. At all. I understood, but enjoyed her humour. Not a lot on our agenda today, although DH wants to go out and get a few things from the hardware store - it seems he's running out of nuts and bolts, who knew?! LOL I'm going to give the drink a pass, am sure I'd like the wine, and would love to try the menu suggestion, just not today. It's Friday night pizza night at our house, so if we head out to the hardware store late this afternoon, we'll stop by one of the shops and pick up something hot and gooey to enjoy at the kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, particularly those in Israel and Ukraine. Cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I was part of a cookbook launch - one that was created during lockdown called The International Quarantine Cookbook. Since that made it's debut, there have been 2 additional books published and I'm happy to say I've got recipes in books 1 and 2. A copy of the first book has been placed in Canada's Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec - how cool is that? Everyone should have savings, just in case. Both DH's and my dads were farmers so we know the struggles they face. @cruising sister wishing you a very Happy Birthday with many healthy and happy returns of the day. @marshhawk sending good vibes for an uneventful trip to Rome. Be sure to wear a cross-body bag and keep one hand on it at all times - better safe than sorry. I agree with what was said about showing the denomination of your money to either the cab driver or shop keeper, that way they won't be able to take advantage of you. A quiet day for us, as there's nothing planned except that I'm going for a gel nail fill - the other day I had my thumbnail chip and I kept catching it on everything until I finally got out the nail file and smoothed down the edges. That hasn't happened in a long time; I wonder if the salon is using a different gel. It seems we haven't gotten a lot done the past few days as we've been glued to the television keeping abreast of what's happening in Israel. So many prayers have been offered for them. I'm going to give the drink a pass, would like to try the rose and that soup looks delicious! We've still got some buns and turkey left from Thanksgiving so tonight we'll be enjoying ground turkey and sweet pickle sandwiches accompanied by crudities on the deck. And wine. Prayers for so many whose lives are in peril and suffering. Cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Yay for all of us girl children! Not sure about having an actual party today, but I will definitely give a huge shout out to all Emergency Nurses. It's really looking like fall out there this morning - we've got a stiff breeze blowing from the north and as I look out the computer room window, the golden and green coloured trees are swaying mightily. And the leaves are tumbling down, but there's no sense in bringing out the leaf blower until the wind stops, as they will just keep coming. The overnight low last night was supposed to be 0, so we brought all the plants into the dining room again. I'm thinking we might as well take them downstairs today and put them in their places for the balance of fall and the coming winter. @Haljo1935you and I are both experiencing shoulder issues; I'm going for x-rays and an ultrasound to see what's happening with mine this morning. Hopefully you'll get yours feeling better soon. @Nickelpennybelated Happy Birthday wishes to you! @Heartgrovesending good thoughts to you Jack, as you remember your brother fondly today. Not a lot happening for us today, so we might take a bit of time to just do some shopping while we're out for my appointment this morning. Late this afternoon we're joining our friends (one of DH's bandmates) for a birthday celebration dinner - he turned 81 yesterday but had a solo gig last night and couldn't get out of it. I'm going to pass on the drink, the wine, and we're almost turkey'd out, having had it since Sunday. I'm not sure what will be on the restaurant menu tonight, but it will be delicious and will be accompanied by good conversation with fun friends. And wine. Prayers for everyone in Israel - the atrocities are unfathomable. Continued prayers for the people of Ukraine who are still so brave and stoic. Cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I had to look up Ada Lovelace, but when I did, I was very thankful for her gift of knowledge that we take so much for granted today. My ultimate fear is of snakes, and I will definitely not face that one. We do have the metric system in Canada, but I still think of height in feet and inches, and weight in pounds. Distance is easy because 100kms takes you an hour at 60mph. Menus in Canada still describe steaks in imperial measures so you aren't left wondering what size you're ordering, and you can order a 6 or 9 ounce glass of wine. We've got a cool but bright fall day out there this morning with a current temperature of 5C (41F); the daytime highs are gradually starting to go lower though, today being 19(66), but the rest of the week in the 11 - 13 range (51-55). Afternoons on the deck are lovely with the sun shining through the windows; Sochi spends most of the afternoon out there and in her catio. Not a lot on the agenda today, just heading out to W-M to pick up food for Sochi, and I have to make an appointment to get my shoulder looked at. Because the weather's still nice, I think it might be the right time to put away the outdoor furniture and store the cushions downstairs before it gets too cold and wet. @marshhawkoh my goodness, what a bunch of hassles you're having to endure just before you leave. Once you are on the plane, I'm sure you're going to let out a huge sigh of relief! I hope you can get everything straightened out quickly. @cruising sistersuch sad news about sweet baby Murphy; her parents must be totally worn out with worry. I know I'd like the drink of the day, would certainly enjoy the wine, and think today's menu suggestion would make a great dinner on a colder day. There's still lots of turkey left so I think we'll be having hot turkey sandwiches with the remaining pumpkin pie for dessert on the deck tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, especially those involved in the wars in Ukraine and Israel, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Thank you! We've been on several HAL ships at Canadian Thanksgiving and were always pleased to see it was recognized.

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Some days are full of curious events, others are quite normal. Fire Prevention Day should be every day - there are far too many fires that devastate homes and businesses. Thank you Mr. Leif Erikson! Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Daily friends I'm sure many of us enjoyed our large dinners yesterday so family/friends could make their way home today. I noticed early yesterday morning many of our neighbour's lights were on, which likely meant they were prepping for a big dinner. This morning those same lights were dark, so I think I'm right. Today is a totally free day for us - many of the stores are closed that we would normally head out to, and there's nothing on the calendar. I guess all I'll be doing is putting away the good china and silverware, the roaster, etc., and that's about it. I've been having some difficulty with my left shoulder for a number of days, so am going to put my blanket making on the back burner for a while. Not sure what the problem is, but it isn't getting any better, so I may just make an appointment to get it checked out. It's looking like another nice fall day for us with temperatures expected to reach 20C (68) which means it will be nice and warm to sit on the deck with the windows closed, letting the sun warm it nicely. Might even be a good place for a nap later on - I'll bet DH takes advantage of that! I'm going to take a pass on the drink of the day, would definitely enjoy the wine, and will pass on the menu suggestion, but would try it in a restaurant. We've got leftovers - turkey, mashed potatoes, veg. casserole, coleslaw, buns, and of course pumpkin pie to enjoy on the deck this evening. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, especially those in Israel and Ukraine who need it most right now. Cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I haven't played tag in years, don't know anyone close enough to ask for a motorcycle ride, but I always have music on in the house. When I have to do some housecleaning, I always put on one of my favourite Queen CD's turned up loud, and go to it. Who knew that microwaves were so old? My MIL bought us one just after we got married so the step-kids could cook some things by themselves - she didn't trust my cooking. LOL It was huge and ever so heavy. @WannaSea and @Horizon chaser 1957 Bon Voyage; enjoy your cruises!! @mamaofamiI'm so sorry to hear Sam is back in hospital; I hope it's a short stay. @RMLincolnsometimes going to a retreat brings back upsetting memories and I think it helps to get through them in order to have a clearer outlook when you leave. I hope this was what happened in your case. Yesterday's wedding went well; the family has Scottish history so there were traditions incorporated into the ceremony - the Quaich (loving cup), and the hand binding. The bride carried a bouquet that was bound with ribbon that came from the groom's great grandmother's wedding bouquet. Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, they had 3 grazing tables that were absolutely laden with different meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, nuts and crackers. They also had a dessert table that was put together by the mothers of the bride and groom from their favourite recipes. The groom's mother comes from Portugal so she had Portuguese tarts - oh yum! The bride's mother (my cousin) made jam-jam cookies - using my Mom's recipe. They also had little bags so people could take some of the baking home with them, and there are a couple of them waiting on the cupboard for us this morning. Heartfelt prayers for the people of Israel, and my thoughts and prayers go to the people who were medically disembarked yesterday for a good outcome for them. It'll be a busy but enjoyable day for us as we'll be having Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon. There will only be 6 of us, as DH's daughter is on a cruise with her mother, and another couple is out of town. We'll be having DH's son, our son-in-law, and our friends who don't have children, so only 6 at the table, but I'm sure there'll be enough noise that it will sound like many more. I'm going to pass on the drink of the day, I know I'd enjoy the wine, and will pass on the menu suggestion. Our dinner tonight will consist of roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a vegetable casserole, coleslaw, fresh buns, cucumbers in vinegar (DH's favourite), and crustless pumpkin pie. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, especially those involved in wars in Ukraine and now Israel. Cheers to all with celebrations. TAG, you're it! Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good afternoon, time for a quick check-in. The house smells delicious - the buns are baked and cooling on the racks as we speak. I always like to get the table set in advance, so after taking all the plants and putting them back on the deck (where I hope they can stay for at least a week), I went to work on the table. Earlier this morning I opened a new tablecloth that I'd purchased at a big chain that recently closed - they claimed to have everything for your Bed, your Bathroom, and Beyond that. I tossed the tablecloth into the wash and dryer, and then proceeded to iron it before putting it on the dining room table. As I was ironing, I noticed there was a larger hem on one side than the other - I thought they must have goofed with the packaging and put in a single top sheet. Until I realized there were little slits in the wide hem . . . I didn't have a tablecloth, I had a shower curtain! I went outside to look at the package and yes, it did say tablecloth, so that's what we're using it as! It was a little wonky size-wise, but I've folded it up and I don't think anyone other than DH and I (and all of you) will know we're eating off a shower curtain rather than a tablecloth. LOL Off to shower and get changed so I can officiate the wedding in a couple of hours - I hope everyone has a good afternoon. Stay safe and see you tomorrow!

I'm so glad the missing passengers returned to the ship and pray for the people who have to be disembarked due to a medical condition - what a horrible time for a medical emergency! Please keep us updated as you can; we worry about all of you.

@HAL Sailer oh my goodness, that's wonderful news! I'm so glad for you and DH that he's now looking well enough to be transferred to a different facility. Continued prayers for his return to better health, and for strength for you as you cheer him on.

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! We don't have a lot of bald men in our family, but I'd rather see bald than someone trying to cover it up with 3 hairs and a lot of hope. As kids we always walked to school, even during blizzards; that's just how it was. Every day should be smile day - you might just brighten someone's outlook with your smile. The wind has stopped, the sun is coming up and I see we've got clear blue skies again. It's shaping up to be a beautiful fall day here on the "frozen tundra", which is great because I have a wedding to officiate outdoors this afternoon. It's for the my cousin's daughter, so that means we'll be able to enjoy the festivities after the ceremony and reconnect with some relatives as well. Bon Voyage to @kazu, @0106, @St Pete Cruiser, and our other friends who are also embarking the Rotterdam today. I'm saying extra prayers today for the people in Israel who were affected by the overnight invasion. I've read a couple of things on FB from passengers who had their excursions cut short and were not sure where they were going to be headed once the Nieuw Statendam left port. Yesterday I made the vegetable casserole, today I'll be baking a batch of buns and hopefully will also have time to make the crustless pumpkin pie before having to get ready for the wedding. Time will tell just what I'm able to get done. I'd like to try the drink of the day just to see if I like it or not, am pretty sure I'd like the wine, and do enjoy lasagna once in a while, even if it isn't the regular type. For us however, we'll be enjoying whatever fare is served us at the wedding reception tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Is Come and Take It Day like curbside recycling where everything at the curb is open for others to take? Both DH and I have a number of hats, but don't think we'll be wearing any today. Yay for Physician Assistants - a valuable position in any medical clinic. Thank goodness for scientist Sabin's vaccine - I do recall getting the shot as a child, and later just a drop on the tongue. A friend of ours had polio as a child, albeit a mild case in that he didn't have to go into an iron lung, but today suffers from post-polio syndrome and is having great difficulty walking. Well I'm glad I brought the plants in to the house last night because right now we're sitting at -6C (21F). Looking at the forecast for the next number of days, it seems we can put them all back out on the deck because we aren't expecting another frost for at least a week. Might as well get them as much sunlight as possible before we have to bring them in and use grow lights to supplement the usual light they would get. Here's what our dining table looked like last night. @smitty34877I'm so glad you had an enjoyable evening out; it's good for the soul to get out of your regular surroundings for even a couple of hours. @RMLincoln enjoy your retreat! This morning I'm making cupcakes and this afternoon DH and I will bring them over to a friend (her husband has the post-polio syndrome) for her birthday. Other than that there's not a lot on the agenda - I've taken the turkey out of the freezer and it's thawing slowly in the spare fridge, so Thanksgiving dinner preparations are under way. I think today's drink of the day would be great on a warm summer's day, am pretty sure I'd like the wine, but will take a pass on the menu suggestion. Of course it's Friday night pizza night, so on our way home from our friend's this afternoon we'll stop and pick up something hot and cheesy that we can enjoy at the kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! We should try to do something nice every day; you never know what kind of day others are having. Random acts of poetry - most unusual. Bless all the teachers; I've been married to one for 46 years and know what they have to go through. It's definitely looking like fall out there this morning - we've got a temp of +6(42) and it's only going up to +8(46). Yesterday was exactly what we would expect of fall on the "frozen tundra" - cold rain from early morning until late afternoon. We didn't even have enough sunlight for the solar garden lights to come on. All the plants will be brought in from the deck tonight as we're looking at an overnight low of -4(24) and we don't want to lose them. Yesterday morning I received a text from our local pharmacy saying the RSV, Covid and flu vaccines were now available for booking. Being Johnny-on-the spot, I immediately went to the online site and booked us in for appointments at 11:00 and 11:10. We drove over to the pharmacy and upon arriving were told that the RSV vaccine had not actually been received, and that there was a charge of $280 plus injection fee for it. Hmmm, re-thinking that one. We were handed some paperwork to complete, sat down, and as we were doing that, a tech came over and said the Covid vaccine was only available 6 months after your last one and ours isn't due until October 17th. We got the flu shot. That's what happens when you're a keener! So far neither of us has had a reaction, which is not unusual for us. Later this morning I'm making a brownie because friends are coming over this afternoon for a respite from their family; their daughter and her 3 children (ages 11, 8, 3) have moved in "temporarily" due to a marriage breakdown, and they need a break. I have a feeling they'll stay longer than just for coffee, and I'm thinking we'll be enjoying Chinese food with them at the dining table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! We don't golf, but have friends who spend many hours on the links, have never had a frappe (are they like milkshakes?), and every day should be world animal day! Good grief, when I opened this thread, it was already on page 3! I felt like I'd slept in past noon with all the posts. First of all @0106 my heart dropped when I read your post as it brought me back to our fiasco in October last year when I went to check in for our flights to Barcelona and discovered they were gone. I am so happy you were able to get replacement flights and that your preferred seating was still available - hopefully that will be the last of the issues for you and once you're onboard the BHB, you can totally relax. @Smmessineo and @AroundWithMAPTravels welcome to the Daily; probably one of the most positive places in all of CC world. @JazzyV wishing you a very Happy Birthday and many more healthy returns of the day! @Cruzin Terri wishing you and your DH a Happy 42nd; let the love and laughter continue! It's a cool, cloudy day out there for us at only 5C (41F), and it's looking we'll be getting more rain in a couple of hours. Rain isn't bad because at this time of the year, the soil really needs it to help with next spring's seeding. About 95% of the province's crops have been harvested, and the ones remaining won't be bothered by the rain, so it's all good. I'd like the drink of the day, as it's a gin & tonic with the addition of some soda water, and know I'd like the wine - a nice Rioja. It seems I was one day ahead when I thought yesterday was Taco Day - we ended up ordering a few tacos and mexi fries and when the bill came, I was a little surprised to see they weren't 99 cents as I'd thought. No worries, we enjoyed them anyway. We have some buns left from the last batch, so we'll be having some roast beef sandwiches and vegetable soup at the kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I married my last boyfriend, am all for Child Health Day, especially our sweet Daily baby Murphy, and am grateful for the techies who can fix what I can't. DH always calls on me to fix things on the computer, as if I work for Computers R Us; little does he know that I usually just turn it off and turn it on again. LOL Wow, is it ever foggy out there this morning - I can barely see across the street! I guess that's what happens after a few days of rain and then the temperature rises. It won't be rising for long though, because we're expecting frost on Thursday night and that means we'll be bringing in all the plants that we're planning on over-wintering. I'd better search out the plastic tablecloths for the dining table and floor so there isn't a huge mess to clean up when we can put them back outside for a bit longer. @kazuwishing you safe travels today; I think @0106might also be heading out, but not sure. I do know of a couple of others on the same trip and wish them well also. @Quartzsite CruiserI'm glad to hear DH's issues weren't too serious and that you were able to come home (albeit late) last night. Praying for continued progress. @Seasick SailorI do hope your back is feeling somewhat better today; if not, head thee to a doctor, girl! I saw this yesterday and got a good chuckle from it - as did my police officer friends. Hope it gives you a smile as well. First Tuesday of the month, so I've got breakfast with retired colleagues this morning - we just found out yesterday that sadly, one is no longer with us, so we'll be remembering her in our conversations. I jokingly told a friend that this is proof that only the good die young; she agreed! I'm not a fan of the drink, would enjoy some of the rose, and will tuck the menu suggestion away until after Thanksgiving when I'm pretty sure we'll have leftover turkey. As someone mentioned previously, it is indeed Taco Tuesday, so late this afternoon we'll be heading over to Taco Time to bring home tacos and Mexi-fries that we will be enjoying at the kitchen table for dinner. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

I remember being able to order Steak Diane in the Pinnacle. Sigh.

It all depends on the hospital - when DH was sent to hospital in Panama City, the overnight stay along with ambulance fees, CT scans, ECG's, etc., came to a whopping $10,000 which of course we didn't have in our pockets, but were able to put on our credit card. While there I visited another couple who were on their 3rd credit card of the stay and were hoping he would be discharged before their cards ran out. Just our experience - hopefully you won't have to find out in person. @Quartzsite Cruisersending prayers that your DH's blood pressure issues are just a small hiccup in his recovery process. @Seasick SailorOh yikes, I'm sorry about your back - please make an appointment to get it checked out, otherwise you won't be able to help your sweet DH at all.

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Whenever I'm in a public building and see a custodial worker, I always try to make a point of going over and thanking them for keeping the place looking so good. While I've never named a car, there were a few that I've called names. Yay for farm animals. Not a fan of the Musk guy, but his quote is true. Another gloomy looking day out there for us - right now it's drizzling (as it did all night long) and we've got a temp of +6(42F) looking at high of +9(48). It's definitely looking and sounding like fall outside; the leaves that have come down are plastered to the lawns and the birds are huddled in the spruces to stay out of the rain. I had a great sleep last night as I took out my winter jammies from storage and stayed warm all night long. @lindalerBon Voyage; I can feel your excitement! @kazuI can only imagine the flurry in your house, trying to get everything together for you and Ivan - don't hurt yourself doing it! @StLouisCruisersthank you for the photos of little Elliott Rose - she's a doll! @rafinmdI'm so glad you're able to enjoy the cold fruit soups; wish HAL would bring them back. Although it's wet and miserable outside, we have to go out for groceries and do some shopping for things for this weekend's Thanksgiving dinner. I'm going to give the drink of the day a pass, but who could pass up a wine that's described as "racy, well-mannered and elegant"? Because I made a big pot of borscht yesterday, I'll be freezing some, but we'll be finishing the rest of it off for dinner along with ham bunwiches at the kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Safe travels my friend, hopefully next year we’ll be able to take another trans-Atlantic journey! Will be living vicariously through your travels this cruise, so have a wonderful time.

Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit. Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! We don't drink nearly as much coffee as in the past - usually starting our day with a flavoured tea. I think when DH gets up instead of having a second cup of tea, I'll make coffee. I used to remember thinking of elderly as someone who was about 40 years older than me . . . in that case, I guess there aren't many elderly people left! I'm all about frugal fun. Wow, it's dark out there - not only is the sun getting up later in the morning, it doesn't help that we've had rain all night and continuing right now. The temperature is hovering at +9 (48F), and we're expecting a whopping high of +10(50F), so we don't have far to go. It's definitely a day to stay indoors, dig out the sweaters, probably turn on the furnace for the first time in a number of months, and just be. @Quartzsite Cruiser so happy to hear Steve's progress; prayers for it to continue. @cunnorl wishing your DH a very Happy Birthday! @Nickelpenny and @Live4cruises Bon Voyage; enjoy your cruises! @StLouisCruisersextra prayers for your friend's DH. @kazuoh my gosh, you have a TON of bulbs!!! Good luck with the packing - I'm sure it won't take you long once you get started. @smitty34877 I do hope the person coming in to interview for Tana's aide works out well for all of you. @lindalersafe travels today - how exciting! Not a lot on the agenda for us today, so I think I'll just settle in and work on another blanket. I was pleased the other day to find a brightly variegated yarn that really adds great accent colour to the finished blankets, so I'm looking forward to working with that. I think I'd like to try the drink of the day, will pass on the wine, and will tuck the recipe away for another day. It's cool, wet and rainy, so I'm going to make a big pot of borscht and fresh buns for us to enjoy at the kitchen table tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Bon Voyage my friends, wish we could be with you! Maybe next time!!

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I haven't had a mud pack in ages, send virtual hugs to all vegetarian Daily-ites, and am grateful for those who translate for others. Today is also a day in Canada to learn the history of residential schools, their victims, and survivors; it's called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I'll be wearing my orange shirt today and already have our "Every Child Matters" flag on the lawn. There was a danger of frost overnight, although this morning when I got up it was still +2, but we made sure to bring the succulents and curly figs onto the deck and closed all the windows. At some point (I think around 5) DH got up and turned on the little space heater, so when I got up a couple of hours later it was still +4 on the deck, so all is well. We want to keep them outdoors as long as we can because they're inside for such a long time and don't do nearly as well. @smitty34877prayers for you, your family, and for a new aide for Tana. I've been watching the news and the horrible flooding in New York; I hope you don't have too much damage to your property, inside and out. @Quartzsite Cruiser I'm happy both you and DH got some rest last night - hopefully it will continue and DH won't have to be on the strong painkillers too long. @cruzn single, @Ichiban Nekko, and @WannaSea Bon Voyage to you! @JazzyVI do hope you can fine a solution to your pain - you need to rest. @kazuI'm sure your friend appreciated being with you yesterday, having gone through just what she is now. I wish both of you better days ahead. Not much happening here today - we have to run out and get more bird seed for the pigs with wings. The northern pigs have been coming through and totally emptying the feeders, so there's nothing left for the little chickadees that normally hang around the yard. Oh, and kitty litter - that's as important as having toilet paper in the house! I'll take a pass on the drink of the day, will let others enjoy the white, and while I've made lasagna soup in the past, we found it quite acidic. I think the next time I would put some cream or half & half in just before serving so it calms it down somewhat. I like the white chicken lasagna recipe, and will definitely tuck it away for a colder day. DH has asked for meatloaf - how easy is that? I'll put that together this afternoon and we can enjoy it along with mashed potatoes and air fried asparagus on the deck tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Thankful for Maritime Day - imagine where we'd be without all those containers being brought to us on ships. I tell people I lived on Broadway - well, not the Broadway in Manhattan, but still. Confucius was a wise fellow. The rain that was forecast for us yesterday didn't materialize so DH and I went out in the morning to tackle the leaves and cut down all the day lilies, etc. I bought these great scoops from a garden centre that really made quick work of gathering the cuttings and tossing them into the big green bin. At one point, I sent DH into the house to get some water for us, and I thought I'd be smart and hurry up and move the green bin farther into the yard before he returned. Apparently the wheels jammed on the rake he'd dropped which meant there was an abrupt stop and before I knew what was happening, I was catapulted head first directly into the green bin! Thankfully I'm not a tiny woman, so used my heft to tip the bin over and scrambled out (covered in vegetation) before DH returned. When he came out, I was still shaking off all the leaves, lilies and pine needles, giggling to myself and thankful that none of the neighbours could have witnessed what just happened. Thankfully all that was bruised was my pride. @Quartzsite Cruisergood to hear your DH is feeling less pain this morning and hope that you'll be able to go home and get some rest. @HAL Sailer sending love and prayers your way; it's so difficult watching our spouses in hospital. I pray for a good outcome for your DH. @rafinmd Bon Voyage! Not a lot on the calendar today, but I'll be having lunch with Fran, our friend's new lady who will be joining us on the cruise in February. I think it will be nice getting to know her on a one to one basis without the fellows there. Guys generally aren't interested in clothing, packing techniques, etc., so it should be fun. I'm sure I'd like the drink of the day, would definitely enjoy the wine, and think the menu suggestion sounds very good. At our house it's Friday night, pizza night, so I'll let DH choose whatever suits him for our dinner that we can enjoy on the deck tonight. And wine. And for @marshhawk yesterday I said "and beer" because it was Beer Day and I indicated we'd have beer instead of wine last night. LOL Prayers for everyone who has troubles, cheers for all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! Instead of having wine tonight, I think we'll have beer. We try to be good neighbours and are blessed by having a lot of them. We are fortunate that our city has many public lands that can be enjoyed by all; one of them at the end of our block. Holey moley, speaking of the park at the end of our block - a large hot air balloon just went by - it must have taken off from the park, as I can hear the burner going to lift it above the trees!!! It's a cool, clear morning out there but the forecast is calling for showers later in the day. I'm going to get into the back yard with the leaf blower to collect all the leaves and then scoop them into the compost bin before they get all wet and soggy. Then it'll be dragging them around with the rake, which I'd rather not do. I'll get DH involved with the leaf blower (he loves playing with that thing), and I'll do the scooping, making it a quicker task before the rain starts. @Quartzsite Cruiserprayers for you, DH, and his medical team for today; I hope the shunt does exactly what it's supposed to. @rafinmdsafe travels today and Bon Voyage for tomorrow! @dfishsorry, no Swedish ancestry here! I'm sure I'd like the drink of the day if it had rum instead of bourbon, and know it would make a great drink in a punch bowl at Christmas time. I'm going to pass on the wine, and although I do like Swedish meatballs, I'm not a fan of the dish at IKEA. I've made them a few times but when using sour cream, to me it tastes more like beef stroganoff. Today I've got a couple of pounds of ground beef thawing that I'm going to make up into porcupine balls for the freezer, but will leave some out for us for dinner. It's looking like we'll be enjoying porcupine balls, parmesan potatoes and green beans on the deck tonight. And beer. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I love playing tourist and would like to be one today. We've always made sure to be registered to vote and have never missed voting in any election since we were eligible. I do forgive, but I've got a memory like an elephant. In Canada it's also Chocolate Milk Day which we will definitely celebrate later in the day. When I got up this morning I was surprised to see the streets were all wet and there were puddles everywhere - certainly didn't expect rain overnight! We had a hot (for us) sunny day yesterday and actually had the windows open when we went to bed last night. Apparently DH got up at some point and closed them; when he gets up I'll have to ask when it rained because I sleep like someone in a coma. Re: mammograms, about 3 weeks ago I received a notice in the mail to make an appointment and when I called, the earliest I could get in was November 25. I asked why it was such a long way off and was told that ever since Covid was over, women have been more conscientious about making appointments. Not much on the agenda today - I was going to tackle the leaves in the yard, but with the rain, it's going to be tough going. Yesterday after DH returned from his son's acreage, he blew the leaves off the front lawn into the street and they proceeded to fly off in the direction of our neighbour's lawns. Very neighbourly! LOL @Cruising-along Happy Anniversary to you and your DH; let the love and laughter continue! @kazuI'm so sorry to hear your friend's DH passed away; he was on my prayer list. She's fortunate to have you as a friend and I know you'll do what you can to support her, but remember to take extra care of yourself, too. @smitty34877you and your family continue to be in my prayers as you deal with Lou's passing, Tana's health, and having to search for a new aide. @SusieKIslandGirl I'm sorry you didn't get to go on your cruise but am glad you had the road trip with your friends. I'm going to give the drink of the day a pass, same with the wine, and probably wouldn't make a vegetarian lasagna, but would sneak in some ground beef to the mix. For us, seeing as it's still nice out, I've got some burgers thawing that DH will grill tonight and we can enjoy them along with a Greek Salad on the deck tonight. And wine. Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations. Smooth Sailing! ☺️☺️☺️ Gerry