The Daily for Thursday Mar 11, 2021

[1ANGELCAT]

13 minutes ago, St. Louis Sal said:

Good morning all!

 

Weather here can’t make up it’s mind between clouds and sun, but I hear we are in for 2-4 inches of rain later today.

 

I am married to a worshipper of tools. Therefore we must spend a lot of time in the tool sanctuaries (Harbor Freight, Northern Tools, Lowes, etc). 
 

Johnny Appleseed Day and now I have the Johnny Appleseed grace song from Brownies stuck in my head! “Oh, the Lord’s been good to me and so I thank the Lord.”  So true. 
 

Another port unvisited, but grateful to those of you with pictures to share.

 

Take care today, stay safe and healthy.

 

St Louis Sal

“For giving me the food I need, the sun and the rain and the Appleseed , The Lord is good to me.”

I was a Camp Fire Girl.

[cunnorl]

Good Morning Everyone from a warm and sunny day at the beach.

      Both meal suggestions look good to me today and the quote is impressive.

  Was scheduled to stop in Portugal on our cancelled TA last spring. I will enjoy looking at everyone s pictures. Thanks for posting them!

      It is so true about this thread being a real community. The amount of caring and prayers I received after my recent loss and covid issues has been overwhelming. A great big thank you to all my CC friends. Do hope to meet someday on a cruise!

 

Be safe 

 Charlene

     

[rafinmd]

Just back from my walk.  When I returned there was an email from Cunard officially cancelling my one remaining cruise on the books.  I was pleased to see it because it was part of a round trip transatlantic, coming back to Baltimore on the Carnival Legend.  I had no alternative plans for Europe and didn't want to cross and fly right back home.

 

I've been booked for Funchal 3 times and been there 3 times but not the same times.  I was supposed to stop there last year on my QM2 return from Sydney but we know how that turned out.

First time was on Wind Surf in 2009.   It was supposed to be non-stop Lisbon to Barbados.  In his orientation the Captain indicated that some needed supplies (parts for the water making system and toilet paper) had not arrived and we would stop in Funchal to pick them up.  There were no tours offered so I walked around town.

Next time was on my 2016 Seabourn Odyssey transatlantic.

Final visit was on the Prinsendam transatlantic in 2017.

 

I will try to post photos later but must get busy on a project for my church.

 

Roy

[aliaschief]

1 hour ago, richwmn said:

On Maderia Island, then two shots after we left. Trans Atlantic Nov 2018 Koningsdam with @aliaschief, his wife and her twin.  Great times!

 

 

 

 

Was a great day Rich but twin was on Canada repo not this TA.

[travelnap]

I have been to Funchal twice, both on TA's.  It is indeed a beautiful island and the ocean cliff views are outstanding.  The first was on RCL's Navigator and I took a ship's tour around the island.  The second time was on the Rotterdam, and since I had been there before I just wandered around myself and did some touring.  I even tried the HO/HO bus for a couple of hours and it was very enjoyable.  There were enough years between the trips that you could see the difference in the old winding roads to get around and the new expressway that they had built to shorten the trips.

 

On another positive note I was able to get my Covid vaccine on Tuesday.  It was the single shot J&J so it is one and done.  In our area to get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine it was either continue to wait or drive an hour each way so I opted for the 15 mile drive to get the vaccine and I am glad that I have that done.  No side effects and actually I think my arm was less sore than when I got my flu shot last fall.  

 

Roy, best wishes for your upcoming procedures, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Edited March 11, 2021 by travelnap

[smitty34877]

2 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  Yay for Johnny Appleseed - love apples.  I also love popcorn - it makes a great snack.  Tools, well I have what I call my Barbie tools (a small tool kit - pink, of course - with all the necessities) that have certainly come in handy over the years when you don't want to run out to the garage for a hammer or screw driver.

 

What a great day for folks here yesterday - good news from doctors, people getting jabs, such good news.  On the other hand, we've also had sadness, learning of people passing, and others being diagnosed with dread diseases.  We really have become a community of caring people, though, with all the wonderful responses to both happy and sad occasions.  I am grateful to have become a part of it, and all that goes on here.

 

We've had the good fortune to be in Funchal twice - both on trans-Atlantic stops.  We love wandering the streets and shops, and especially going to the market to see the beautiful displays of fruits and vegetables.  The climate is such that there is lush vegetation and it's perhaps one of the prettiest ports we've visited.  We are looking forward to a return for the 3rd time in November this year when we are hopefully on the Volendam's TA.

 

Today's menu suggestion is right up my alley; it won't take long to thaw a couple of chicken breasts and make up some pesto to go with it.  We haven't had spaghetti for a few days, so I'm pretty sure that's what's going to be on our dinner table tonight.   And wine.

 

On another topic, today marks the 10th anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that claimed 15,000 lives in Japan.  Our DS and DDIL were living in Tokyo at the time; our DS was working 100 miles from the epicenter, and what should have normally taken him 2 hours to get home, took 19.  He estimated he walked about 25 miles, but the people along the way were so kind to him, offering food and water, as well as powering up his laptop and cell phone.  Fortunately his wife was able to get to their apartment safely, and their family and friends in the rest of Japan were scared, but unharmed.  A day that will remain with us forever.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Extra hugs for Roy.  Raising the wine glasses tonight to toast all on the celebration list.  Stay well, be safe, wash your hands and wear your mask(s).

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

I can't  imagine  the long wait  you had to hear from your family  in Japan.   That sort of memory stays with a person.

We live adjacent to NYC and have a 9/11 memorial of girders from the Towers on our Main drag.Many lost their lives from our neighborhood  alone.It was a very long day before we heard about friends and family and their status.

Anyway,love the quote,popcorn  and my tools.I am the handy person in this house!

Terry

 

[smitty34877]

1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said:

The best of morning's to my fellow Daily-ites. Thank you Rich and to all who share contributions. 

 

When I moved into my 1st apartment,  my dad gifted me with a toolbox. I was always pretty handy with helping friends and neighbors with my skills (lol) As I grew older, I bought more tools. Our last place in Coeur d'alene was a 55 plus community. I would get calls all the time, especially to replace dripper heads or add one.  I was nick named the "Black and Decker woman" 

 

Allen is doing great this morning. Had a bit of a headache last night. Has his staples removed on the 22nd. Truth be told, I was a bit queasy during his procedure since I was in the surgery center with him. It's hard not to watch.

 

@DeeniEncinitas I'm proud of you for giving hours and hours of vaccinations. Hoping after today you'll have a very fun and relaxing weekend. Ann thanks also for asking after Allen. Hoping there's no "what's next"! Love you girls.

 

Prayers and Cheers

I am a "Black and Decker" woman also!

I am so glad Allen's  surgery went well.It is difficult to watch a procedure like that,especially  it is a loved one.   Terry

[garlictown]

☕ Good morning and Thank You for the Daily.😁

Would love to visit Madeira...we've been to the Azores and Portugal.

Using the bus system in Portugal is easy by the way.....traveled from Lisbon visiting various cities during 2+ week.👍 If you're a Harry Potter fan, "Porto" a must as well as Coimbra.😉

🙏 Prayers to all in need!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning.  Again today, it is windy, but hopefully not as windy as the last two days.  Looking out the window, the sky is clear, but looking south and east there are low cloud banks, probably fog in some areas.

 

While DH does not worship tools, but he as quite a collection of them.  For convenience, we have tools in Texas, here and in the motorhome.  Also, we keep a few in the house.  I remember learning about Johnny Appleseed in school.  We usually have some popcorn in the house.  👍 on the quote.

 

We have been to Madeira four times on different cruises.  The first time was in 2002 while on the P&O World Cruise out of Southampton.  Then next time was in 2004 on the Noordam.  Capt. Jon Scott suggested that we try the toboggans that go down a steep street. It was an interesting ride, and the two men who guide each toboggan down the street do a good job.  The scary part was the cross traffic that did not stop.  The third time, we were on the Tahitian Princess, and yes she was a long way from home.  The ship was headed to Singapore for a drydock and name change to Ocean Princess.  Our final visit was also in 2017 on the Prinsendam''s TA to Ft. Lauderdale.

 

When we have visited Madeira, we have walked around town, taken a tour, taken the Ho-Ho and the last time rented a car.  Our one tour was a 4-wheel drive to the mountain top which was partially successful.  It had snowed on the mountain the night before, and while we drove up there, we could not do the off-road part.  Instead, we had our picnic lunch in the vehicle and then proceeded  back to town to tour a winery.

 

This is a view from our 4-wheel vehicle.

 

The toboggans after we finished our run.

 

A  view of the main shopping street.

 

The outside of the market that sells fish, fruits, vegetables and arts and crafts.

 

Two blue-hulled beauties in 2004.  The Prinsendam was on her World Cruise.  One of our tablemates parents were on the Pdam and they got to visit the ship.

 

 

The other side of the island is totally different.  It is the windy side of the island and the towns are smaller.  Non of my pictures there were very good.

 

Lenda

 

 

 

 

[DeeniEncinitas]

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

A WONDERFUL GOOD MORNING TO OUR DEAR DAILYITES!!

it rained non stop all night and I was so worried about mama hummingbird and her baby! Got up early to check on them and she has her baby snug as a bug! 
🌺I was at Del Mar Racetrack this am and we are closing the vaccine center AGAIN due to not getting a shipment and all those people who were scheduled for today will have to be rescheduled. I feel bad for them. I was glad to come home! 
Our Hospital Scripps said the shipment will be delivered in a couple of days. San Diego is doing well in the county and hope we continue the good work keeping case count down.

🌴🌴🌴🌴

WOW! DAVID JUST REMINDED ME TODAY WE BORDED THE ROTTERDAM HERE IN SAN DIEGO FOR OUR 3 month journey to Europe!! We were going to do The Panama Canal Cruise than stay in FLL travel to Miami board Oceania doing a TA

travel in Europe board another Oceania cruise !! March 15th it all changed we never made it out of PV and flew home!

🌺WOW WHAT A NON MEMORABLE MOMENT IN EVERYONES lives that hit us all with Covid!

🌺GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND PRAY WE ALL GET BACK TO CRUISING SOON!

🌴Thanks to our Rich, Roy,!

I really enjoy the quote AND it is so true!!

🌴Good morning my sisters!!

🌺Ann I believe I have had that wine a few times when we’d go to the store either at Carefour or Casino in Nice. I so enjoy whites. Thank you for the wine description.

🌺Joy, I am happy Allen is doing well. Both of you have a relaxing day!! So my sister is THE BLACK AND DECKER WOMAN!!! Love it! Your really talented.

🌴Summer thanks for the drink recipe!

🌴Debbie the dinner looks good and I might make it but tweak the recipe alittle!

🌺It is 8:30 here and I need my coffee and breakfast. 
SMILES TO ALL AND HUGS!

Denise😊

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!  
Popcorn!  yes!    
I had just a little bit sore arm for an hour or so last night,  so grateful to receive this vaccine!  
feel like such a lucky duck! 

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, all.  Prime Minister Trudeau has declared today, the anniversary of the declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic, as a day of commemoration for those who have died.  It has been a very long year.  But Pat gets to call in today after noon to book a vaccination!  Things are going so smoothly that the timing has been moved up a few days.  Perhaps my time will come sooner, too!

 

We have been to Funchal four times, too.  We did the funicular twice, the HOHO bus, and the latest time, a very interesting tour around the island organized by @sailingdutchy.  The island has hundreds of tunnels ( it seemed surprising to me the hills are still standing!), I think we went through 17 of them on our tour.  The island is also famous for its Madeira wine, it was wonderful to have a tasting and they also make rum.  

 

 

As Jacqui said, the airport hangs over the sea.

 

 

The ubiquitous Portuguese tarts, yum!

 

 

Village houses

 

Madeira to taste!

 

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Another frosty morning here, but we're having 4 days of welcome sunshine and up to low-mid 50's F, so I'll take it. Looking forward to some gardening. @kazu do you have small pots for your transplants?  Looking forward to photos!

 

We have popcorn often and love it. I'm a weirdo, I like a big glass of milk (!) with my popcorn.  Goes back to childhood, I guess.  It's the only time I drink milk.

Cheers to Johnny Appleseed, I like apples, and especially in pie. 😉  I need one of those little pink tool kits.  We do keep a screwdriver in the house, but I've been known to use anything from a rolling pin to a meat tenderizer as a hammer because I didn't want to go out to the garage for the correct tool. 😄

The wine sounds great, but will pass on the meal.  We'll probably have chicken, but not sure yet how I'll prepare it.  Today is a big grocery shopping day, so we'll see...

 

I've been to Funchal only once, and it just happens to be the very last port I've been to other than Fort Lauderdale at the end of our TA.  It was at the end of our 50'th anniversary 55-day Med cruise(s) Nov. 2019.  We started on the Nieuw Statendam and ended on the Koningsdam.  I'd love to get back to see more, we toured the town and did a wine tasting in an old fort.  I bought flowers at the market for our cabin, the last flowers I bought on the trip.  Would love to see some of the outlying areas too.

[bennybear]

33 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Good morning, all.  Prime Minister Trudeau has declared today, the anniversary of the declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic, as a day of commemoration for those who have died.  It has been a very long year.  But Pat gets to call in today after noon to book a vaccination!  Things are going so smoothly that the timing has been moved up a few days.  Perhaps my time will come sooner, too!

 

We have been to Funchal four times, too.  We did the funicular twice, the HOHO bus, and the latest time, a very interesting tour around the island organized by @sailingdutchy.  The island has hundreds of tunnels ( it seemed surprising to me the hills are still standing!), I think we went through 17 of them on our tour.  The island is also famous for its Madeira wine, it was wonderful to have a tasting and they also make rum.  

 

 

As Jacqui said, the airport hangs over the sea.

 

 

The ubiquitous Portuguese tarts, yum!

 

 

Village houses

 

Madeira to taste!

 

 

Oh those tarts!  DH’s faves! 

[lindaler]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Capt. Jon Scott suggested that we try the toboggans that go down a steep street. It was an interesting ride, and the two men who guide each toboggan down the street do a good job.  The scary part was the cross traffic that did not stop.  

 

The toboggans after we finished our run.

Lenda

This is a port I visited. We loved the toboggan ride. 

[summer slope]

As Denise said one year ago we boarded the Rotterdam for our trip back to FLL. Breathed a sigh of relief thinking we would cruise home. Wrong!

[DeeniEncinitas]

22 minutes ago, summer slope said:

As Denise said one year ago we boarded the Rotterdam for our trip back to FLL. Breathed a sigh of relief thinking we would cruise home. Wrong!

🌺That is right summer!! Wish I knew you on board!!

Sun pooped out briefly and mama hummingbird went off to get food! 
Like I said I wish I could take a better picture!! Baby is sprawled out with his little head resting on nest to the left!

Have a good day

Denise😊

[Rowsby]

We just got our 2nd shots.....loads of people....but the Oregon National Guard are doing a terrific job....!!!

[kazu]

1 hour ago, Cruising-along said:

@kazu do you have small pots for your transplants?  Looking forward to photos!

 

I do.  I put them in little peat / coconut pots with soil.  Their roots can grow right though so then they can be moved into the garden, planters, wherever without disturbing them again.

 

The downside is they take up more space and I’m already running out.  

 

I kind of went overboard this year.  According to DH I have more seeds than ever although I dispute that 😂 😉 

 

I need to figure out if I can move one of the old green house racks to the kitchen (better light) and if the begonias will all fit on the alternate ones currently in the kitchen in the living room.  

[kazu]

Well this is very coincidental.  It’s Johnny Appleseed Day and guess what book has been chosen for the “Canada Reads” programme?

 

[Dismomx5]

Good afternoon! It's a warmish day (16º C) here in southwestern Ontario, and we are awaiting the rain. I'm a popcorn girl (favourite snack) and apples, too. I love the sound of the alternate meal.

We've had a water softener installed today. I was in the house exactly one week when I did the SOS call. I'm not fond of floaties in my tea, and constantly bleaching my cups clean.

Thank you to all who contribute to this post. You are a blessing to us all. Please take care!

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily.

Interesting days. I like apples and popcorn. I have a basement full of woodworking tools (table saw, routers, planers, etc), from when I used to build stuff, but don't worship them.

Great quote.

The dinner sounds good.

I've been to Portugal but on a land based trip, not a cruise.

 

I'm feeling a bit headachy, achy and chilled today, no doubt from the vaccine yesterday. But it's not bad. I'll just take it easy. I had an eye appointment today and didn't get seen until 2 hours after my appointment time, ugh. On the bright side the eye is quiet and in 6 weeks I'll get evaluated for possible cataract surgery if it stays that way. Right now I can only count fingers with the right eye; can't see the eye chart at all.

 

Congrats to all getting shots!

 

Prayers for the care list and cheers to the celebration list.

Stay safe and wear your mask.

[StLouisCruisers]

Hello! I was home an hour before lunch (starved since I fasted), but have been trying to catch up all day. 

 

@Cruising-alongYour photos are so pretty.  Thank you for sharing, as well as all the rest of you.

 

Our first visit on Emerald Princess was in 2008.  It was our first transatlantic so we were excited to see this new and fascinating place.  We got on a bus and first did some touring of the cliff, Cabo Girao.  I loved the purple blooming trees all over the place.  This is a photo of some taken from the top of our double decker bus.

 

 

The view from an overlook. 

 

And the view from the cliff, straight down.  That's a little unsettling, isn't it?

 

 

 

Back in town we headed to the market.  I think I remember these tiles on a wall there.

 

Presentation is just as important as the quality of the fruits and veggies.  I would buy from this vendor, wouldn't you?

 

In 2013 on the Royal Princess maiden transatlantic we enjoyed exploring more of the downtown area by walking, no tour.  

 

A city park where vendors had set up shop.  I bought a handmade necklace from one.

 

 

lovely fountain in a roundabout

 

 

Remember these days?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sailingdutchy]

Like a few of you we have been to Madeira a four times and like the Azores it is a wonderful Island to arrive at either as first port going East from or last going West to Fort Lauderdale . We have explored the Island with the same wonderful guide and friend Daniel Freitas in a small group of 7 or 8 and have been from the Eastern tip near Machico all the way to the North Western town of Porto Moniz .

 

The nature of the Island with all of its exotic flora is just amazing very green and I believe the only place in Europe  that grows lots of bananas . The four times we have been there we went to different areas so I have lots of pictures but will try to keep it to a  "minimum " on this post .

 

Some of our favorite places to visit were , the Mercado in Funchal , Porto Moniz , Santana , Sao Vicente  , Machico and Camara de Lobos  ( and on the way back to the ship don't forget to have a few sips of the special Madeira drink Poncha and visit the Henriques & Henriques Madeira winery ) 

 

Tony 😀

Edited March 11, 2021 by sailingdutchy

[Vict0riann]

Great memories, Tony!