The Daily for Thursday Mar 11, 2021

[cruzn single]

Interesting group of days.  I am "all in" for the popcorn.  Many times it ends up being dinner for me. That's the result of not liking to cook for one!  I have actually put myself in a position of having to cook this coming Sunday, as I am doing an early corned beef and cabbage dinner.  Two of our vaccinated friends have to work!

 

Mention of the tragic Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami brought back memories.  HAL readjusted our ports and our plan to visit Japan was for naught.  The revised cruise was okay, considering it was put together in less than 2 months.  One of my most vivid memories was of the flight into Osaka.  We flew over the devastated area, and from 30,000+ feet it was possible to see where the earth had been wiped clean.  I will never forget that sight.

 

It is so nice to read that more folks are getting the vaccine.  Not immediately, but someplace down the road we can all hope to resume travel.

 

It is dark and gloomy here today.  Probably we will be getting a taste of the big storm that could affect areas mostly East of the mountains.  It could be a very bad weekend.

 

Off to my FEMA class in a while.  Have a great day, everyone.

 

 

[Cruising-along]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

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.

I do the same, it's a great way to do it without disturbing them.  Not sure I'll be doing any this year, we're taking a road trip next month so I won't be here to keep them moist -- so will be planting right into the ground this year. 🙂  

[Happily@Sea]

5 hours ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

“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.

 

They also use it at John C Campbell Folk School too, for one of their before meals' graces. Meals are family-style.

[lcand1923]

The weather today in MD is GORGEOUS!!!  It feels like early summer.

 

I am so enjoying the pictures of Funchal.  I've only been there once on the first transatlantic of the Nieuw Statendam.  I was very nervous about the toboggan ride, but my friends talked me into it.  It was scary and fun at the same time.  Everything about the town and island is beautiful.

 

I am so very, very jealous of your beautiful plants, kazu.  This is my first year trying to start things from seed and everything looks spindly.  I will keep working at it and will probably end up buying plants like usual.

 

Thank you so very much, Rich and Roy and Dailyites, for forming such a caring community!

[kazu]

2 minutes ago, lcand1923 said:

I am so very, very jealous of your beautiful plants, kazu.  This is my first year trying to start things from seed and everything looks spindly.  I will keep working at it and will probably end up buying plants like usual.

 

Well thanks but I wouldn’t call the seedlings beautiful.

 

If yours are looking spindly, they might be straining for light?  But, I often find when they first come up they do look spindly - especially if you have to keep them in darkness and warmth until they germinate (geraniums, hibiscus, etc).  They can sprout so fast it looks like they are light deprived for a week.

Once they have the 2nd or 3rd set of leaves (the true leaves), try transplanting them to support the spindly part.  You have to be careful, but it can solve the problem.  

Also turn them regularly so they don’t end up crooked pointing at the light.

 

Hope this helps.

[kazu]

38 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

I do the same, it's a great way to do it without disturbing them.  Not sure I'll be doing any this year, we're taking a road trip next month so I won't be here to keep them moist -- so will be planting right into the ground this year. 🙂  

 

Well, I KNOW we aren’t going anywhere this spring so it was worth a shot.

 

When we are cruising or travelling, I don’t do seeds.  It’s too much to ask someone to water, turn, supervise, etc.  But since this is the year of the pandemic, I’m going for the gusto.

 

 There are some perennials and they seem to be doing well.  

 

We’ll see how successful it is at the end.  I suspect some will not make it.

[kazu]

1 hour ago, sailingdutchy said:

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 .

 

Ditto on Daniel.  We’ve used him numerous times .  I actually have his entire team and vans booked for our roll call IF the cruise can go 😟 🤞   He and his wife, Eusebia are the best!  She’s so on top of the bookings and Daniel knows his island like the back of his hand and loves to show it off.

 

I think we’ve been nearly everywhere but a few spots and happy to repeat and see the new ones.  I sure hope we can return.  

It is truly a gorgeous island.

[kb4683]

Looking back through our photos I see we have been to Funchal  8 times, all associated with Transatlantics.

 

We have done the tobaggon, funicular, market, Cabo Girao, etc.  In April, 2015,  we were there for the flower festival (Festa da Flor).

 

As Vict0riann has pointed out, a visit to Funchal would not be complete for us with out a Pastéis de Nata (custard tart) and for us a sangria & a red wine.

 

We also have always enjoyed watching the falconer who walks the walls beside the ship and exercises his bird….sometimes it lands on the balcony above ours!!

 

These last photos were taken while on our last cruise before all heck broke loose 😪.  It was an overnight stop in Funchal while sailing home on the Rotterdam (10/19/19 to 11/20/19 - 32 Day Holy Land and Journey to the New World).

[ger_77]

Good afternoon, just checking in to see what everyone's doing.  We started off chilly (-20C), but the sun has come out and it's now only -6, so spring will be coming.  Hopefully.

 

I'm enjoying seeing the photos of Funchal - they bring back great memories for us, and we're so looking forward to our return.  I thought I'd post a couple of pics - but not of Funchal, of my little Barbie toolbox.  Actually, I have two of them; I'd forgotten about my screwdriver box that DH tucked into my Christmas stocking a couple of years ago - it's been useful a number of times since I received it.

.

 

And here's the large original Barbie toolbox:

 

You can see the hammer has been well loved.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[rafinmd]

Lots of nice pictures here so I'll just add a few.  I did take a tour off the Seabourn Odyssey in 2016 and did the sled thing.  It was a bit scary but I was in good hands and very worthwhile:

 

 

A year later off the Prinsendam I mostly walked around Funchal but was more attracted to the dock area.  I had a bit of a flashback as we were joined in port by my favorite ship that I have never set foot on.  RSS Shackleton was the escort ship on my 2016 Northwest Passage voyage and Funchal was probably the closest I had ever actually gotten to her:

The sea wall in Funchal is a veritable feast of images left behind by crews of ships visiting the port and I was quite fascinated.  Here are some examples of military ships:

HAL was quite well represented as well:

Roy

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good afternoon everyone!  Thank you for the Daily Rich!  We are approaching our 1 year anniversary!  YAY!  And look what a great little community we are.  While I have never met anyone here (at least not that I know of), I feel as though we know each other and are all friends.

 

Thank you for your lists, pictures, and meal suggestion Roy.  I would love to met you on a cruise someday.  You have a jest for live that many strive for, including me.

 

I'm not much a raw apple eater but love apples cooked.  I love popcorn but only eat it occasionally, and love Parmesan popcorn.  I'm not much of a tool person but can use a hammer or screwdriver if needed.  The meal suggestion actually sounds and looks good for this non-chicken person but I think I'd like Roy's meal more and that Ricotta Raspberry Tart looks heavenly.  The drink seems unusual but I really think I'd like it, Agro Dolce means sweet and sour, something right up my alley. 

 

I've not been to Portugal.... yet.  I've looked at TA's that include this stop or the Azores and have been intrigued.  And I would love to try the wine.  I'm loving all the pictures today!

 

Have a great day everyone!

 

 

 

[Overhead Fred]

It is a bright 46F here and I see the sun sparkling off some patches of open water on Lake Phalen. I think I missed my shot for ice fishing this year....

 

Mitzi got her 2nd shot at 10 AM today (Moderna). Now I am off to get groceries for her birthday dinner tomorrow - Steak & Cake! 

 

Here is another butterfly from Key West -

 

And their Lido Buffet -

[bobpatj]

After reading this far, I had to check to see that we had been to Funchal four times, always on HAL transatlantic cruises. They were all in the fall.  The first was on Rotterdam, November, 2008; second on Maasdam, October-November, 2012;  third on Koningsdam, October, 2017;  and forth, on Rotterdam, October-November, 2019.  Wonderful times there before sailing to FLL!

[Cruisepucks]

We had a great time in Madeira on a Koningsdam TA repositioning sailing from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale. Wonderful weather in Funchal. We walked all over. Photos show the market downtown and a little treat on the outdoor patio at the Ritz.

 

 

[lazey1]

Thank you to everyone who posted the beautiful photos of Funchal. I see that I have missed something quite beautiful in never doing a South Transatlantic cruise.

Roy's dinner looks fantastic as always.

I like apples but I love popcorn. When I am not real hungry in the evening my dinner will frequently be popcorn and a glass of wine, almost any white or rose wine.

I am feeling blessed, I was able to attend the women's Bible Study at church today for the first time since before Thanksgiving when Covid ran rampant through the regular congregation.

A hugh thank you to all the providers of the Covid vaccine.

Jane

[dfish]

You are all making me feel so good.  I, too, occasionally have popcorn for dinner and was thinking it wasn't very nutritious and a bad habit.  But, knowing what good company I am in makes me feel better.

[Vict0riann]

Spring is brightening up - Dr. Bonnie says we can get together as a group of 10, outside, being careful.  And, after a long wait on the phone, both Pat and I have appointments to be vaccinated on March 17 - we will definitely be wearing green and thanking St. Patrick for looking out for us!

[kazu]

14 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Spring is brightening up - Dr. Bonnie says we can get together as a group of 10, outside, being careful.  And, after a long wait on the phone, both Pat and I have appointments to be vaccinated on March 17 - we will definitely be wearing green and thanking St. Patrick for looking out for us!

 

What wonderful news 😆. I am so happy for you both 🙂 

[VMax1700]

17 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

both Pat and I have appointments to be vaccinated on March 17 - we will definitely be wearing green and thanking St. Patrick for looking out for us!

Great news for you both.  

[highscar]

Linda.ar. Also had fun on the street slays. Except the pushing of the $10.00 charge for a pic of you going down the slopes with your mouth wide open having fun. 

 

 

[VMax1700]

1 hour ago, Overhead Fred said:

Now I am off to get groceries for her birthday dinner tomorrow - Steak & Cake! 

Great minds and great chefs!  It is Ellen's birthday tomorrow also, but I have arranged for afternoon tea to be delivered from a local hotel that is still open.  It won't be quite the same as sitting in the MDR, but it may should be a pleasant afternoon.  Birthday wishes to Mitzi. 🎂

 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Our bright sunny weather has changed, and it is now very overcast and still windy.  The  temperature is hovering around 61F, but the wind makes it feel cooler.  We could really use the rain, but basically we are getting virga where you can see it but it doesn't reach the ground.

 

We made a quick trip to Parker to pick up prescriptions after our annual doctor visit yesterday.  Naturally, they were out of one, so it will be ready later, and we'll got back in a few days.   While we were there, I replenished our popcorn supply.

 

@Overhead Fred  An early Happy Birthday to Mitzi.  March 12 is a good day for a birthday, as I will be celebrating one tomorrow too.  

 

@VMax1700  Happy Birthday to Ellen. Looks like we picked a good day.

 

@highscar  The picture at the toboggan is one of the few like that which we purchased.  It was a once in a lifetime adventure and we wanted a picture.

 

Right now, I'm off to get a haircut after four months of cutting it myself.  The stylist has her work cut out for her to get it back in shape.

 

Lenda

Edited March 11, 2021 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Horizon chaser 1957]

Good afternoon, all! Late to the party again today. Popcorn and apples are both favourites, and apples are so versatile! That chicken dish looks like a winner! We’ve never been to Funchal, but are booked to visit on the 2022 Grand Africa. All the pictures are much appreciated.

A year ago today the Amsterdam took us to Townsville, Australia. It was to be the last fully normal stop of the GWV. We were being chased by a tropical storm that hadn’t quite caught up but was getting close. DH and Itook the ferry to Magnetic Island. We took the bus to the Forts Walk, as I was determined to see koalas in the wild. Our umbrellas got quite the workout as brief downpours swept through. The koalas were smarter and stayed under cover. We never did see them. Then we continued on to Horseshoe Bay, and had a lunch of absolutely amazing take out fish and chips in the seaside park picnic shelter. After lunch it was off to the ferry and back to Townsville. The rain eased, and we ran into friends at a pub in the mall. It was a fun day to remember!

 

Waiting at the taxi stand in the cruise terminal.

 

The SeaLink ferry to Magnetic Island. Note the Amsterdam in the background. Because of the canal, the distance by road was much further. The route taken by the metered taxi was further yet again.

 

Sign on the UPPER deck of the ferry. At some point, someone did something that made this sign necessary.

 

The Forts Walk on Magnetic Island. Views, gum trees, and downpours.

 

Horseshoe Bay Park.

 

If you’re ever here, you really need to try their fish n’ chips!

 

Stopping for a drink with friends back in Townsville before returning to the ship.

The craft market in the cruise terminal. I bought some locally made beeswax wraps.

 

And though it’s late in the day, Happy Thursday!

[AncientWanderer]

19 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

Great minds and great chefs!  It is Ellen's birthday tomorrow also, but I have arranged for afternoon tea to be delivered from a local hotel that is still open.  It won't be quite the same as sitting in the MDR, but it may should be a pleasant afternoon.  Birthday wishes to Mitzi. 🎂

 

 

 

 

What a nice birthday surprise!  And I bet it will be delicious!  DH and I did two self-driving tours through Ireland -- two-weeks each trip -- and both agree that Ireland has some of the best food we have experienced anywhere on the globe.  Now, I'll admit we were surprised by this.  But the freshness and cleanliness of the ingredients -- meats, fish, poultry, dairy, vegetables -- just made everything delectable.  We always talk about how we want to go back to Ireland just to eat!

Enjoy your celebration!  😊

 

 

 

[smitty34877]

Monet's Garden

near Rouen , France

a  day  late