Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[ReneeFLL]

On 11/6/2021 at 11:03 AM, island lady said:

 

AA gave us crappy "vending machine" snacks only in their first class.   

 

At least Delta gave us a choice of three meals, prepacked in a nice box.   Light meals, but I had a decent chicken salad, and Bucky had a yummy Italian sandwich for lunch.  The snacks were also added...but as an extra.  Plenty of adult beverages and way better attentive service.   

 

Still not even close to what it used to be pre-Covid...but at least Delta is doing a better job.  

That sucks. Where were you leaving from and going to?

 

 

21 hours ago, akcruz said:

Been away for a few days, only 30 pages behind so forgive me if I've missed anything.

 

Our 34th anniversary was the end of October and just fit in a quick trip to new spots to us.  Spent a few days in both Asheville and Cheroke both in the mountains of NC.  Visited the Biltmore estate (Vanderbilt family), various local breweries, an Indian Village and of course the local casino where our luck was not consistent with Sue and others  on here lately.  We saw lots of great fall foliage in both places and walked and ate way too much.  Adding a few pictures, Biltmore had most of their holiday decorations up, beautiful.

 

The last pictureis a sign we found at Dirty Jack's Green Man brewery in Asheville, found it appropriate, and personally relatable, to the retirement discussions here.

 

April

 

Happy Anniversary. Looks beautiful. We also have a Biltmore Hotel in Miami, but I don't think it's related.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Biltmore_Hotel

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

I had been following the inventory at the Toyota dealer I bought my Venza from 12 years ago.   They had been showing between 2 to 4 Highlanders on hand.

Tell me about it. I waited too long to start serious car shopping, which I've been doing on and off over a period of a few years. I finally got around to doing some test driving over the summer, but the cars I sort of narrowed the search down to simply aren't on the lot. I'm not going to buy any car that I haven't actually sat in and driven (referring to specific models and trims). I'd really like a hybrid this time (not plug-in though). And, if nothing shows up in the coming months or longer, I'm still fine with my '95 Riviera. I don't see anything out there that I like as much anyway. Hard to believe sometimes that I've owned the same car for 26 years, let alone having put 2 replacement engines in it and a transmission, plus a long list of other parts. Essentially bought a new (old) car one part at a time. LONG story....

 

I'm intrigued with EV, but the infrastructure (at least where I live) just isn't there yet. Out here in rural Berks County we're still pretty much in early adopter mode. Then, too, somehow can't imagine standing at a charging station for 1-2 hours..especially in the rain. 

Edited November 7, 2021 by OnTheJourney

[Coralc]

15 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

Then, too, somehow can't imagine standing at a charging station for 1-2 hours..especially in the rain. 

 

You can sit IN the car while it is charging. 

But I am just teasing. We don't want on EV either, because of the distance limitations. 

I did like my '98 Camry a little bit better than this new Subaru though.  It is really fancy with the heated leather seats, and all the upgrades on a Limited. But there are so many electronic things, that you practically have to consult the encyclopedia sized manual on anything to figure stuff out. 

[jagsfan]

23 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

Tell me about it. I waited too long to start serious car shopping, which I've been doing on and off over a period of a few years. I finally got around to doing some test driving over the summer, but the cars I sort of narrowed the search down to simply aren't on the lot. I'm not going to buy any car that I haven't actually sat in and driven (referring to specific models and trims). I'd really like a hybrid this time (not plug-in though). And, if nothing shows up in the coming months or longer, I'm still fine with my '95 Riviera. I don't see anything out there that I like as much anyway. Hard to believe sometimes that I've owned the same car for 26 years, let alone having put 2 replacement engines in it and a transmission, plus a long list of other parts. Essentially bought a new (old) car one part at a time. LONG story....

 

I'm intrigued with EV, but the infrastructure (at least where I live) just isn't there yet. Out here in rural Berks County we're still pretty much in early adopter mode. Then, too, somehow can't imagine standing at a charging station for 1-2 hours..especially in the rain. 

My daughter and son-in-law love their Infiniti Hybrids. No charging involved, and they are strangers at the gas pumps. 

[Ocean Boy]

6 hours ago, reallyitsmema said:

 

We ended up buying a truck less than two months ago because of a rotted frame in my DH's suv that was found during an oil change.  Not much on the lot to choose from but he is happy with what he got.  Absolutely no price negotiating though, sticker price or walk.  We also have a car that needs to be repaired at the collision center and parts are really hard to come by.  It needs a rear quarter panel and we have been told the estimated date for the part is 00/00/00!  They will update us when there is an actual estimated date but don't hold our breath. 😞 My brother in Texas has a friend who had an suv stolen and then totaled.  They found a replacement at a dealership but the price is $15K over sticker! 😱  I hope you are able to find something without having to pay a premium. 🙂 

I'm very glad that I bought two years ago. I should be out of the car buying market for a few years.

[dani negreanu]

5 minutes ago, Coralc said:

But there are so many electronic things, that you practically have to consult the encyclopedia sized manual on anything to figure stuff out. 

 

My [wealthy] cousin in Germany has a brand new Tesla.

 

I've asked her how is the new car.

 

Her reply: "An IPad on wheels".....😁

[Ocean Boy]

5 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

I had been following the inventory at the Toyota dealer I bought my Venza from 12 years ago.   They had been showing between 2 to 4 Highlanders on hand.  The night before we went it showed 8 gas and 2 hybrid Highlanders.  The next morning 9 gas 3 hybrids.  It said to call to check availability but I thought they surely will not sell 12 before I got there. They are a little over an hour away.  Other dealers in a 50 mile radius showed 0 to 3 available.   When we got there they had 2 gas on the lot.  They said they had a truck come in the night before.  Many buyers leave a note of what they want and buy them when they get there. They said dealers in the area are buying from them at retail and then jacking up the price a few thousand.  I liked but wasn’t loving the 2.  Then a 3rd car that they just got done clearing from last night came out that the salesman wasn’t aware of.  That is the one we bought at sticker.  The only thing I wasn’t sure about was the black interior.  We had one before and it got hot but these seats are heat and cool seats.  Although there is a lot to learn about it, we are enjoying it.

 

 

I have a black interior with heated/cooled seats. I like it.

[jagsfan]

47 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

My [wealthy] cousin in Germany has a brand new Tesla.

 

I've asked her how is the new car.

 

Her reply: "An IPad on wheels".....😁

My son picked up his new Corvette in Kentucky where they’re built. 
We watched on closed circuit tv his taking delivery. Then followed about two hours of his sitting in the car while a man leaned in the window talking. 
He said he was being told what everything was for, including changing the suspension!

I sure hope there is a real owners manual. 

[lenquixote66]

7 hours ago, DaniDanielle said:

I go Tuesday for my booster.  Hope the side effects aren’t like the second shot as  I have a haircut scheduled for Wednesday!!

Charlie never gains weight on vacation, I on the other hand gain just by looking at food😳

 

I may schedule my booster for next Saturday.Good luck with yours,Marietta.

[Ozark_Kid]

59 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

I have a black interior with heated/cooled seats. I like it.

I am loving the heated seat right now.  Sharon likes cold more than I do.  With the heated chair her cool doesn't bother me at all.  The heat feels good on the back too.

[Ozark_Kid]

1 hour ago, OnTheJourney said:

Tell me about it. I waited too long to start serious car shopping, which I've been doing on and off over a period of a few years. I finally got around to doing some test driving over the summer, but the cars I sort of narrowed the search down to simply aren't on the lot. I'm not going to buy any car that I haven't actually sat in and driven (referring to specific models and trims). I'd really like a hybrid this time (not plug-in though). And, if nothing shows up in the coming months or longer, I'm still fine with my '95 Riviera. I don't see anything out there that I like as much anyway. Hard to believe sometimes that I've owned the same car for 26 years, let alone having put 2 replacement engines in it and a transmission, plus a long list of other parts. Essentially bought a new (old) car one part at a time. LONG story....

 

I'm intrigued with EV, but the infrastructure (at least where I live) just isn't there yet. Out here in rural Berks County we're still pretty much in early adopter mode. Then, too, somehow can't imagine standing at a charging station for 1-2 hours..especially in the rain. 

This is our 4th Toyota.   They hold up so good..... Until someone hits you.  The Venza was a 2009 and had 240,000 miles.  It has had very little repair needed.

[h20skibum]

1 hour ago, dani negreanu said:

 

My [wealthy] cousin in Germany has a brand new Tesla.

 

I've asked her how is the new car.

 

Her reply: "An IPad on wheels".....😁

My son has had a Tesla Model X for a couple years.  He had a dedicated charger put in his garage to charge at night.  
 

He does have to plan ahead on longer trips.  Find their charging stations near a restaurant for a planned break.  They have quite a few charging stations in the Bay Area where he lives. 
 

We even have a bank of Tesla superchargers a couple miles from us in western Pennsylvania.  They keep building more near the interstates. 

 

It is crazy fast from 0 to 60, but I am not ready to make the move to one yet. 

[Ocean Boy]

5 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

I am loving the heated seat right now.  Sharon likes cold more than I do.  With the heated chair her cool doesn't bother me at all.  The heat feels good on the back too.

I also have a heated steering wheel that I love. Some morning I have a death grip on that wheel. It feels so good.

[Ozark_Kid]

16 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

I also have a heated steering wheel that I love. Some morning I have a death grip on that wheel. It feels so good.

I haven’t tried that feature yet.  I don’t even now how to turn it on.  I am sure Sharon will love it.  There is a lot for me to learn.  When they were going over everything after we bought it the guy started to explain the AWD buttons.  I said what do you mean AWD, I didn’t know it had AWD.  On the way home I set the cruise control.  I forgot it was adaptive so when it slowed down I didn’t now at first what was going on.

[h20skibum]

23 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

I forgot it was adaptive so when it slowed down I didn’t now at first what was going on.

Wait till it starts to nudge you back into your lane when you get too close to the center or edge line.  I thought there was something wrong when that first happened.😂😂

[Ocean Boy]

6 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

Wait till it starts to nudge you back into your lane when you get too close to the center or edge line.  I thought there was something wrong when that first happened.😂😂

That does feel odd at first.

[Ozark_Kid]

24 minutes ago, h20skibum said:

Wait till it starts to nudge you back into your lane when you get too close to the center or edge line.  I thought there was something wrong when that first happened.😂😂

What I don’t like is it wants to turn the car of at stop lights.  There is a button to push to turn it off but we don’t always remember when we first start it.

[Ocean Boy]

12 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

What I don’t like is it wants to turn the car of at stop lights.  There is a button to push to turn it off but we don’t always remember when we first start it.

I didn't like it at first but it doesn't bother me any longer. I like not feeling the "roll" that sometimes occurs from an engine when the car is stopped at a light. Sometimes I have to look at the dashboard as I can't tell if the car is running or not.

[Sheal]

1 hour ago, Ocean Boy said:

I also have a heated steering wheel that I love. Some morning I have a death grip on that wheel. It feels so good.

My new car has it too, I probably have it on for 7 months of the year due to Reynauds.  I hate wearing gloves while driving.  First time DH tried it out he was amazed. 

 

That and the heated seats.  Ahhhh.

[Ozark_Kid]

2 hours ago, singinalot said:

Checking in…

I hate sounding negative on here so don’t mean this to be this way…it’s just been my week.

 

17 year old teenage girl drama (enough said on that one)

 

I was brushing my teeth Tuesday night and a filling came out. Went to the dentist Thursday and he couldn’t salvage the tooth. Had oral surgery yesterday to remove it and one other so Ive been a painful mess. I also had bone grafting done to start an implant process.

 

today I made the trip up to Denver (on meds) to see my mom for the first time since Labor Day and post her being home from the hospital. She’s doing well. I made her some Medical Medium brain fog recipes to keep in her fridge for the week and took her some essential oils that are supposed to help with it 🤷‍♀️ She’s had a hard time focusing and multi tasking, she says.

 

anyway, tonight was the Yellowstone premiere and THAT was epic. Can’t wait for next week. So many questions.

 

hope everyone has a great week!

I hate that for you.  Teeth problems can cause a lot of pain.  Thankful it happened after you got back home.  That could of put a big damper on your trip.  Hope it heals soon.

Good news that you made it to your mom’s house.  I have drifted away from using essential oils lately.  I wish I would of thought of it when my foot was feeling bad.  I need to look over what I have and see if I have something that may help Sharon ease her hand pain.  Let’s hope they help your mom.

[sgmn]

Travel opening up today for visitors to USA, hubby and eldest son watched a blog of the syncronized take off of BA and Virgin Atlantic flights this morning.

 

BBC News - Covid-19: US reopens border to UK travellers after almost two years
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59197366

[dani negreanu]

5 hours ago, singinalot said:

Had oral surgery yesterday to remove it and one other so I've been a painful mess.

 

😢

Glad your mom is a bit better 🥰

[h20skibum]

6 hours ago, singinalot said:

Had oral surgery yesterday to remove it and one other so Ive been a painful mess.

Ouch!  Sorry that happened to you.  I know how painful it can be.

[Ocean Boy]

7 hours ago, singinalot said:

Checking in…

I hate sounding negative on here so don’t mean this to be this way…it’s just been my week.

 

17 year old teenage girl drama (enough said on that one)

 

I was brushing my teeth Tuesday night and a filling came out. Went to the dentist Thursday and he couldn’t salvage the tooth. Had oral surgery yesterday to remove it and one other so Ive been a painful mess. I also had bone grafting done to start an implant process.

 

today I made the trip up to Denver (on meds) to see my mom for the first time since Labor Day and post her being home from the hospital. She’s doing well. I made her some Medical Medium brain fog recipes to keep in her fridge for the week and took her some essential oils that are supposed to help with it 🤷‍♀️ She’s had a hard time focusing and multi tasking, she says.

 

anyway, tonight was the Yellowstone premiere and THAT was epic. Can’t wait for next week. So many questions.

 

hope everyone has a great week!

It is pretty rare for a filling to just fall out. It usually means that the tooth is cracked or broken. The direction of the crack determines whether or not the tooth can be salvaged.

[Keksie]

9 hours ago, singinalot said:

Checking in…

I hate sounding negative on here so don’t mean this to be this way…it’s just been my week.

 

17 year old teenage girl drama (enough said on that one)

 

I was brushing my teeth Tuesday night and a filling came out. Went to the dentist Thursday and he couldn’t salvage the tooth. Had oral surgery yesterday to remove it and one other so Ive been a painful mess. I also had bone grafting done to start an implant process.

 

today I made the trip up to Denver (on meds) to see my mom for the first time since Labor Day and post her being home from the hospital. She’s doing well. I made her some Medical Medium brain fog recipes to keep in her fridge for the week and took her some essential oils that are supposed to help with it 🤷‍♀️ She’s had a hard time focusing and multi tasking, she says.

 

anyway, tonight was the Yellowstone premiere and THAT was epic. Can’t wait for next week. So many questions.

 

hope everyone has a great week!

Ouch.  Tooth problems are not fun.  I hope the pain goes away quickly. Glad you got to see your mom and I hope your week gets better from here.