firstimecruiseronncl

8 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

Hey Tribe

Just wanted to quickly check in as I haven't been on here in what feels like forever. I have lots to catch up on! I've been in a pretty dark place the past 2 weeks - just when I think 2020 can't throw anything else at me, it does! I've gone through anger, frustration, sadness, despair....you name it, I've been there. All this while trying to put on a smile and go about my day so my kids don't pick up on just how crappy things are. To add to the pile of poop that is currently 2020, on Friday evening my best friend turned up on my doorstep in tears to tell me that his wife had just passed away. I had literally been facetiming with both of them earlier in the day. She was fine. Young, healthy, fit. Alive one second, dead the next. Still waiting on the coroner's report for cause of death and trying to support my friend who is now staying with me as he can't bring himself to go back to his apartment. It certainly puts some stuff into perspective,

 

Anyways, didn't mean to be a Debbie Downer, just wanted to check in and say hi and let you know I haven't deserted you all!!!

I'm so sorry. That is so awful...

15 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

I did have/am having a much better day, thank you! All kitties are good again, I had a long walk, threw out a bunch of old files from my set of four file cabinets (only got thru 2 so far), had work in the afternoon, and was just reminded by DH that next weekend (not this one) we have our favorite B & B booked! We had booked it for March but with the "situation" called, rescheduled for June and kept our fingers crossed. Our Governor has announced, by the way, that we will enter Phase 2 as of the 15th of this month, with outdoor seating at restaurants allowed, most beaches open, non-essential stores open, With restrictions of course, but it's a step in the right direction. HAIR SALONS open too! I already texted my hair chick and told her to let me know when she starts appointments again. My hair is now lopsided (thanks to self-mutilation), partially mullet-like and in grave need of highlights.

Yes, I'm in NJ too. I was thrilled about the hair salon. I have an appt on June 22nd at 1. I can't wait!! I'm also looking forward to some outdoor eating!

14 hours ago, taznremmy said:

I  received the same email, but the last notification I received was this morning at 5:38 Pacific time.  Nothing since.  

I started receiving email notifications overnight. I haven't received them in months. 

3 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

I unfollowed then reset to follow. I think that worked once before. We shall see!

 

I'll give it a try. Thanks!

9 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

Me too! I never saw any at all since this morning! I had my own cocktail hour early, like 4:30. I have been in bed trying to fall asleep. I gave up temporarily and logged on. Came here and it's hopping. Why the heck no notifications. 😓

I haven't had email notifications in months. I have no idea why. 

8 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

Easy day at work today, and now I'm off for the weekend... To tell you the truth, this entire thing has almost been like one looong vacation, but not really a "fun" vacation... Like when you go to Florida for a week, but about the fourth or fifth day, your just ready to go home.

 

I was supposed to be heading to Miami today for my Virgin Voyages cruise... Well, now I just hope that things are going well enough come September, for my rescheduled cruise. It's like these past two months have gone by in a blur, but at the same time, it seemed like time was standing still.

 

Looks like tonight is going to be night two of the ziti, but with beer and tequila instead of wine. I think that I'll probably watch Star Wars The Force Awakens on DVD.

 

Last night's Survivor episode seemed to go on forever... I had no idea that it was going to be three hours long. I guess there may have been a modified version of the reunion show, but I went straight to bed after finding out the winner. Tony definitely wasn't my favorite player, but I guess he did do whatever he had to win...

I was rooting for Tony. I was disappointed that they didn't leave time to talk to any of them afterwards. They had them all set up in their own homes, so I thought they could've set up some questions beforehand. 

Just now, JennVT said:

 

 We do! I used DH's Grandma Vivienne's recipe. It is similar. Though somewhat violent. hahaha

 

You cut the stems off the chokes and drop them in the pan where you will cook the chokes. Snip off the sharp points on the leaves, turn the choke over and slam it on the counter. (Stem side up) This opens up the choke so you can get to the prickly parts, you may have to repeat the slam a few times. (See? Violent! haha) Scrape out the prickly bits and put them in your pan with the stems. Shake in a bunch of bread crumbs, she recommends seasoned bread crumbs. Then shake on some garlic powder and italian seasoning. Drizzle heavily with olive oil and top with some Parmesan shreds.  Carefully add water to the pan until its halfway up the side of the chokes. Cover the pan, bring to a low boil and cook until the bottom pierces easily with a fork. 

Lift out of the water and let drain a bit. Devour. 

Yes, I do the same. Forgot to add that in. LOL 

11 hours ago, luvcruzing said:

There’s only one way to eat artichokes - dipped in garlic butter.

Does anyone stuff an artichoke? You saute garlic in butter, add salt, pepper, some white wine, and once simmered, add bread crumb and romano cheese. You stuff the artichoke with this mixture. I fill the bottom of a pot with chicken broth, add the artichokes, throw some garlic chunks into the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover and cook until tender. 

32 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

Well, it looks like I'm the only one who didn't get a stimulus check... Although, I wasn't expecting it, since the IRS doesn't have my direct deposit information... It may be months before I see anything...

No, we don't qualify for one. But, you can go to the IRS website and add your direct deposit information if you don't want to wait for a check to be mailed. 

21 minutes ago, Greenpea2 said:

Bonnie Raitt

Rolling Stones

Cream

Paul Rundgren

The Temptations

The Four Tops

Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull

 

Likely more but I would have been stoned so let's go with the ones I can remember. 😉

 

Way too many to list. I couldn't even remember everyone I've seen. I love concerts. 

But, my favorite has been Chicago. I've seen them many, many times.

A few other favorites --- Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, ELO

1 hour ago, Greenpea2 said:

We just found out that the boys’ Grandma, mother (Darlene), and aunt (who all live in the same house) were tested either yesterday or Sunday. The bad news (which is pretty bad, I think) is that apparently both Grandma and Darlene have fevers. I am guessing that is why they were all tested. If it gets full-blown, I don't think Grandma would make it. She is 85 and has medical issues not to mention being in total despair from losing her husband. Darlene is 55 but probably not in very good shape physically since she abuses alcohol and probably still does coke and has for about 20 years or more. This is very frightening for the boys and very upsetting. For me, it is especially upsetting about Grandma. I will keep you posted...

Oh no --- I hope they get better soon and it doesn't take a turn for the worse.

8 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

Thank you all for your caring comments. I was texting with Steven earlier. He said his mother had called several times about the result and was just told repeatedly it could take up to 7 days. But today is day 8 and still nothing. Steven is having a hard time about the fact that he and the rest of the family ever had the chance to even visit him or to say goodbye. Part of his upset is thinking Grandpa would have been hurt having no one visit. I wasn't sure what the right thing to say was, but I told him that Grandpa was probably feeling too sick to really be aware that no one had been there and that he knew he was loved very much by his family. I hope that was that the right thing to say. What the hell do I know, I never had kids of my own and they were already 8 (the twins) and 11 (Steven), and I was 52, when they came to live with us. Sigh. I guess you just speak from the heart and you can't go too wrong.

 

I'm so sorry. It really is such a difficult time. I think what you said was perfect. 

30 minutes ago, Greenpea2 said:

Beautiful! Very foggy here, and grey. But it's supposed to get up to 79 for the day! Unusual for NJ in March. But I'll take it--especially since it will go back down to 40s-50s again tomorrow.

 

Yes, I'm in NJ too. I am getting out today to walk!!!!

1 minute ago, sid_9169 said:

So, it's looking like tomorrow is my last day of work until who knows when... Nice little kick in the nuts leading into a now even more uncertain future...

 

Tonight will probably be the very last steak and wine night until things start to look up.........

I'm so sorry. I honestly don't know what they expect people to do if they don't have any income coming in. 

2 minutes ago, Greenpea2 said:

Oh, yes--I did forget that part of what my dad said! He said if they leave their room, they won't be allowed back in it. To me, that just sounds mean. I mean, come on. Not all for them have it altogether all the time, they might step out into the hall by habit and then remember and go back in. So if they do and someone sees them--they are gone? I realize they are just trying to show they mean it but I think that was a bit too much of a threat for those poor people. 

That is just awful! 

42 minutes ago, Greenpea2 said:

Ocean Blue was fine. Just not a favorite of ours. Many many people report loving it! You should go.

 

Yes, Pier 88.

Yes, I ate at Ocean Blue the week before you and I thought it was good. I think there are so many variables when you eat in a restaurant whether it's the food that was ordered, the service, the neighboring tables, etc. I didn't eat at Los Lobos because I heard bad reviews, but now I wish I had given it a chance. 

On 2/17/2020 at 4:43 PM, myk249 said:

Going on the Bliss at the end of March. What is the lounge like? Cigarettes allowed in there as well? Often overcrowded? Foggy?

I'm hoping it's not as bad as I have heard. 

 

Thanks FranknBeans I'll definitely be bringing my own...

 

On a side note, do they have matches or lighters/torches? 

 

The Cigar Lounge on the Bliss was allowing cigarette smokers in there even though the sign says they are not permitted to smoke in the lounge. 

2 hours ago, markf said:

How much is the pass for the week?

wondering if it is worth it for a March cruise from NY 

reality is first full day may not be warm enough for being outside , like mid 50 ‘s.

 

I sailed Feb 16th week. The first day was sunny but cold. It was okay to be out there with your coats on and they also provide blankets for everyone. The second day was beautiful out and we got to use it all day. We lucked out and had a great week. We hit some rough weather on Friday coming back, but there were people up there with blankets. I don't think it sold out for the week because the weather could be hit or miss but there were a lot of people in there. 

On 3/1/2020 at 10:54 AM, Greenpea2 said:

I'm baaaaack. Of course it will take me days to catch up here but I'll just jump in and start at some point. And at some point I guess I will pick up my "Semi Live BS Report" again in case anyone is still interested. Worst internet EVER. The ENTIRE cruise except for this spurts when I posted. To say I was frustrated and disappointed is an understatement. Oh well. We had a fantastic time--not much warm weather but it was a pretty smooth ride down and back, cold or not. 2 of the three warm days had rain for half a day, but still good portions of the day to be outside. Totally exhausted, so just wanted to stop by to say hi. I hope all Tribe members are OK and nothing bad has happened. Been thinking of all y'all. 😉

I'm sorry you didn't get better weather. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Bliss. 

On 2/25/2020 at 5:13 PM, CRUZ CONTROL said:

HAS ANYONE STAYED IN ROOMS 15162 OR 15762 AND IF SO WAS THERE ANY PROBLEM WITH NOISE ABOVE FROM THE GARDEN CAFE

I just stayed in 15802 and the noise above was loud. Since I'm and early riser and was tired by the time I got back to the room at night, it didn't matter. 

7 minutes ago, mamashamiller said:

I didn’t even think of concierge.  It would save you from walking allllllll the way forward😜.  Any info would be great.  I’ve come to terms I’m probably spending $500 to replace them.  What do they say....you can’t take it with you.

You can contact them on their website for lost items. https://www.ncl.com/about/contact-us 

1 hour ago, Chris_2448 said:

Thanks for the info. I was inquiring about the Bliss ( I guess I should have included that in my original post). 

I just came off of the Bliss on Sunday. It seems as though they were entering the Vibe through the Haven sun deck door that connects to the Vibe -- unless I missed another door. The Escape has it's own entrance from inside of the Haven into the Vibe. 

Vibe closes at 10, but I think the bar closes at 7. Your key gets you access into the Vibe. Depending on the ship, there is direct access from the Haven into the Vibe.

8 hours ago, Greenpea2 said:

 

"After dinner we returned to our favorite bartenders at the Haven and made another friend, which caused another selfie with said bartenders and new friend. Attaching that too. We were celebrating our new fav drink. A tequila old fashioned. Sounds weird but SO good. Attaching that as well. "

 

Not sure if you have ever tried it, but in the Haven they make a delicious Smoky Manhattan. The presentation is a lot of fun and the drink is yummy. 

Have a great time! We just got off this morning.