The Daily for Monday Apr 12, 2021

[HAL4NOW]

5 hours ago, USN59-79 said:

We have never been to San Antonio, but have been to Valparaiso a few times.  Not sure what happened to stops in Valparaiso, but suspect that as a commercial port it no longer had the room for a cruise ship to dock. 

The dock workers at Valparaiso kept going on strike. We were told that was why the port was changed to San Antonio.

[Horizon chaser 1957]

5 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I am just off the phone with the representative from the hospital.  They were considering me for trials of 2 new devices for surgical procedure.  They have heard from the first study on their list and determined that I was not a candidate.  They then submitted me for a second study and expect a decision on that study in the next 7-10 days.  We also talked briefly about what could happen if I am not accepted for the second study.  There are 2 standard treatments for a leaking Mitral valve:

 

I am not considered a suitable candidate for open heart surgery due my long standing (since age 18) lung issues which have advanced somewhat with age.  I don't think open heart surgery is an option under any circumstances.

 

The other surgery is inserting a clip in the valve which is done in a minimally invasive manner through a catheter.  I am not a good candidate for that procedure because of calcium deposits which could interfere with the valve being secured in place.  My surgical team did not suggest that and did not want to even look at it until the study possibilities were considered but if not accepted for the second study they would take an in depth look at the possibility this could be successful.

 

If there is no surgical option we will go on to consider medical treatments which could reduce the symptoms but would not be a definitive cure.

 

Roy

So sorry the first study didn’t work out, Roy. Prayers that you are a good fit for the second study, and that it’s a go!

[Happily@Sea]

1 hour ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

Good morning, all! I had grilled cheese a couple of days ago, and really enjoyed it. Sometimes the simple things are the best! We had a few very big winds this year. On salt Spring, it brought down enough wood to supply the woodstove next year, and enough old mans beard lichen to dye a decent amount of fabric. I salute all library workers, especially the volunteers. The last library I went to was on the Amsterdam last year.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and DH gets his jab today! It’s a wonderful world!

 

DH’s comment for today.😁

 

Todays port is one we’ve been to on last years World Cruise. I even have pictures! We had finally hit warm weather, and took a tour out to a winery in the hills and Pablo Neruda’s house. (I don’t know why, but the internet gremlins would NOT let me upload pictures today. It took over an hour!)

Scenes from Pablo Neruda’s house, Isla Negra.

 

Casa Marin winery up in the dry hills, but still affected by the salt air sweeping i. from the coast.

 

Indoor production.

 

Courtyard detail.

 

Indoor tasting room.

 

Outdoor tasting room.

 

A vineyard worker trims the vines.

 

Gewerstraminer grapes on the vine, sweet and flavourful.

 

 

Scenes driving out from the container port where we docked. Not much close by.

 

And of course, Happy Monday!

 

 

 

I'd go to the wine tasting tours, if they would let me taste-test  the grapes - instead of only being allowed to taste the wine. Not a fan of wine but I do love grapes. 😄

[StLouisCruisers]

18 minutes ago, HAL4NOW said:

The dock workers at Valparaiso kept going on strike. We were told that was why the port was changed to San Antonio.

 

That's exactly what we heard, too.  The luggage was not being moved on or off the ship, and no one to help tie the ship up or let go of the ropes, etc.  They would strike at a moment's notice too.  That is why they moved to the little town of San Antonio.

[Sharon in AZ]

6 hours ago, Overhead Fred said:

Rain and mid 40s is today's Saint Paul forecast with overnight lows below freezing for the next two days. All the emerging spring flowers seem to be on temporary hold!

 

So here are pictures from a much warmer spot; Cholla cactus near my folk's former place in Green Valley, Arizona in 2003-

Beautiful pictures!!  And you also got a lot of Ocotillo in the third picture. I love the desert. 🌵

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Evening, the grilled cheese tasted good this afternoon!  This gave me a chuckle after work today.

[CrabbyPatti]

Good Afternoon!

 

      I can relate to all three things today!  We have a "wind advisory" starting this evening through tomorrow.  Our area of Eastern Washington gets a lot of wind, but when they issue an advisory time to make sure things are secure outside! Hope our Lilac flowers don't get damaged.

      Grilled cheese sandwiches have been our "to tired to cook" meal while raising kids and working.  We still will have them on days we have been busy or working outside.

      I was another "library mom" when the kids were in school.  Helped where ever needed.  Raised a daughter who is a reading specialist and has a  minor in library science, she says both degrees work well with her teaching!

      Had a "kitchen adventure" this am.  Biscuit, my granddog went counter surfing and pulled a pan of cooling ham drippings down onto the floor, what a mess! Finally got that cleaned up.  My pup was innocent as she was in her crate and is not a counter surfer!  Been keeping them separated as they were spayed and neutered last week.  They keep me busy someday.  Will be glad when they can go outside unattended to run off the energy!

       Take care,

Denise

 

[Tbay]

@kazuI love Bailey's in my coffee, a treat usually enjoyed on sea days on a BHB.  Haven't tried it in cereal. LOL

@rafinmdFingers crossed that you get in the second trial.

We enjoyed Santiago for several days before taking a day trip thru the wine valley and being dropped off in Valparaiso, for a 2 day stay before a SA/Antarctica cruise.

We will be in San Antonio on the Grand SA cruise in 2023.

I worked in a library while in high school, and became a medical record librarian. For 20 years I volunteered in school libraries.  

Love grilled cheese cooked in the Air Fryer.

[StLouisCruisers]

@rafinmdI hope you get some better news about the second trial, and that all goes well when the decisions have been made regarding your heart condition.

 

What an ordeal today!  We headed out to Atlanta to pick up our car (or truck, whichever you call an SUV).  On 285 in Atlanta we were headed north and had a major slowdown for a while.  It turned out to be lookie-loos checking out the accident on the southbound side.  Over the cement barrier we could see an 18 wheeler on its side and one of those huge overhead frameworks with the enormous green highway signs on it, lying at an angle on the freeway!  The truck had crashed into the side support knocking the signs and framework down and his truck went over on the side.  Traffic was backed up for miles on that side of 285.  Unfortunately, that is the way we were supposed to go back home!  Of course the process of getting all the paperwork done takes 2 or 3 times longer than it should.  When we finally left the dealership we had to take unfamiliar roads back home and of course that took us right through downtown Atlanta.  Every roadway was crowded with 285 shut down on both sides by then.  I read after we got home it was a tanker truck with diesel fuel spilled all over the roadway and in addition to getting the huge sign framework off the road they had the fuel to clean up.  It took until 5 pm.  

 

So we're pretty exhausted.  After the "tutorial" on what each item on the dashboard was and on the console, I told DH he had to drive the new car home.  It will take me a year to figure everything out!🤪

[StLouisCruisers]

Is anyone else having problems staying logged into CC?  That's been going on for me for a week or more.  Such a pain logging in over and over each day.

[rafinmd]

Just now, StLouisCruisers said:

Is anyone else having problems staying logged into CC?  That's been going on for me for a week or more.  Such a pain logging in over and over each day.

I'm having it with one laptop but not the other.

 

Roy

[Sharon in AZ]

8 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Is anyone else having problems staying logged into CC?  That's been going on for me for a week or more.  Such a pain logging in over and over each day.

Only when I change devices between my iPad and PC. I never seem to have a problem on my iPhone. 

Edited April 12, 2021 by Sharon in AZ

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon.  It’s been a busy day here, and it looks like it was a busy day on the Daily too.

 

The weather people are predicting rain tonight, along with cooler weather.  It was about 84F here today, and our highs starting tomorrow are supposed to be in the 60s and low 70s for the next week.  We need the rain.

 

This afternoon, I mowed the weeds.  I can’t say the grass, since it is still dormant, especially since it has been so dry here.  I am holding off on fertilizing the grass until I can get the weeds more under control — no need to encourage them.  😱 I learned  years ago to not use weed and feed on the lawn.  It just feeds the weeds. 🤣

 

This morning, we helped neighbors repair a light in their motorhome.  It took three of us to get in out of the ceiling and back in place.  We have all had our vaccines, so we were safe.

 

Congratulations to all who gave gotten their shots or their appointments.   
 

We have both varieties of cholla around Quartzsite.  The variety that has not been pictured here is called “teddy bear”, but don’t try to cuddle it.  There are wicked barbs on the end of the spines, and you need pliers to pull them out.  When we had dogs, we kept a pair of pliers in the Polaris Ranger just for that reason.  We had to use them on the humans, too.  @Sharon in AZ We love the desert, too.

 

Thanks to all who posted their pictures today.

 

Please continue to wash your hands, sanitize and wear your masks.  😷   

Lenda

I edited this because I accidentally hit submit before I was finished.  The joys of posting on a tablet.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[kazu]

24 minutes ago, Tbay said:

@kazuI love Bailey's in my coffee, a treat usually enjoyed on sea days on a BHB.  Haven't tried it in cereal. LOL

 

I don’t eat cereal so I am happy to say I haven’t been reduced to that yet 😉

 

I do like Kailua in my coffee though on Christmas Day and sometimes after dinner on a BHB 😉 

[Happily@Sea]

21 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Is anyone else having problems staying logged into CC?  That's been going on for me for a week or more.  Such a pain logging in over and over each day.

 

Nope, not at all. I'm on a desktop.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Happily@Sea

[kazu]

2 hours ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

Afternoon all, I came back from my 2nd dose and fell asleep for several hours. 
      Was very windy last night and today.

Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

 

YAY on your second dose 😄   Happy to hear it and happy for you 👍 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good afternoon everyone!!  Thank you for the Daily Rich and today’s celebrations. Thank you for your lists Roy and please remember you are always in my prayers and thoughts. I know that the best treatment for you will happen. 

 

I am home after taking my DM to her appointment and we went to Chili’s for lunch. 
 

I absolutely love grilled cheese sandwiches and could have one every day.  It’s always our “I’m too tired to cook” meal.  DH is the grilled cheese maker and does a great job getting the crust just right. I usually like mine with 3 slices of cheese, a combo of Swiss and whatever else is in my “cheese drawer”.  And I really prefer sourdough bread. I just might have to request one for tonight. 
 

We love gnocchi and DH likes to make it from scratch but we keep the sauce simple, butter and sage. 

Have a great day everyone!

 

[summer slope]

@rafinmdprayers you are chosen for the second study. 

[Vict0riann]

1 hour ago, Happily@Sea said:

 

I'd go to the wine tasting tours, if they would let me taste-test  the grapes - instead of only being allowed to taste the wine. Not a fan of wine but I do love grapes. 😄

In one of the wineries on the Casablanca Valley wine tour we took from the Zaandam in Valparaiso, there were long lines of wine grapes growing in one area.  Each variety was labeled, and you were invited to go up and down the lines, tasting the grapes and spitting out the seeds!  That was really interesting.😀

Edited April 12, 2021 by Vict0riann

[rafinmd]

1 minute ago, Vict0riann said:

In one of the wineries on the Casablanca Valley wine tour we took from the Zaandam in Valparaiso, there were long lines of wine grapes.  Each variety was labeled, and you were invited to go up and down the lines, tasting the grapes and spitting out the seeds!  That was really interesting.😀

Ann, do you get your biopsy results tomorrow or does the Doctor take the sample tomorrow?

 

Roy

[superoma]

48 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

@rafinmdI hope you get some better news about the second trial, and that all goes well when the decisions have been made regarding your heart condition.

 

What an ordeal today!  We headed out to Atlanta to pick up our car (or truck, whichever you call an SUV).  On 285 in Atlanta we were headed north and had a major slowdown for a while.  It turned out to be lookie-loos checking out the accident on the southbound side.  Over the cement barrier we could see an 18 wheeler on its side and one of those huge overhead frameworks with the enormous green highway signs on it, lying at an angle on the freeway!  The truck had crashed into the side support knocking the signs and framework down and his truck went over on the side.  Traffic was backed up for miles on that side of 285.  Unfortunately, that is the way we were supposed to go back home!  Of course the process of getting all the paperwork done takes 2 or 3 times longer than it should.  When we finally left the dealership we had to take unfamiliar roads back home and of course that took us right through downtown Atlanta.  Every roadway was crowded with 285 shut down on both sides by then.  I read after we got home it was a tanker truck with diesel fuel spilled all over the roadway and in addition to getting the huge sign framework off the road they had the fuel to clean up.  It took until 5 pm.  

 

So we're pretty exhausted.  After the "tutorial" on what each item on the dashboard was and on the console, I told DH he had to drive the new car home.  It will take me a year to figure everything out!🤪

I feel your pain about Atlanta traffic. When we drive to Florida we time it so that we drive through early on a Saturday or Sunday. Same on the way home. Timing us everything and you just hope there isn’t an accident in front of you,.

[StLouisCruisers]

I just came back to see the responses and had to sign in AGAIN!  This is on my laptop.  And not only is that annoying but there is a pilot in a small plane doing loop-de-loops over our neighborhood right now.  The noise of the engine rev going louder and then softer and then louder as it does the loops is driving me crazy!!  He must live in the general vicinity because he does this a lot here.  I just want to relax this evening.  Going to have to put on headphones!

 

@superomaI hear you!  Why do you think my DD left here for Ohio at 4:20 am last Sunday?  She had totally had enough of traffic by then.  When we drive north to Ohio or Michigan we leave here no later than 5 am.  It's when we come home from up north and arrive in Atlanta in mid afternoon that is the worst.  Arrrrgh!

[baltic17]

Thank you Rich, Roy, the drinks and recipe ladies and everyone who enjoys the Daily.

Have the 2nd shot malaise today but am not complaining.

We've had more wind today that I expected and it's made it pretty chilly here.  One of the biggest winds we have experienced was on a trip in the Orkney Islands.  We had taken the car ferry over to Rousay to visit the neolithic sites and were able to lean into the wind without falling forward down the hill.  Then we heard on the radio that they were shutting down the ferry early and folks should get back in the wanted to go back to Mainland.  A very choppy 30 minute ferry ride with waves coming over the sides.

Grilled cheese is always a good choice.

As a library volunteer, I adore all the librarians and the work they do.  Our library has been able to open as long as we aren't in 'extreme risk' category.  It is the busiest library in our consortium because it has been open.  So nice to visit my library in person rather than just picking up books.  I can start volunteering again at the end of the month since I have my shots.

We stopped in San Antonio in Oct 2017.  We had booked a shore excursion to a winery and then the Chilean rodeo demonstration with lunch.  It was a cool day but we enjoyed the vineyard and chatted about living in Oregon Pinot Noir country.  The wine was lovely.  We really enjoyed the rodeo demonstration and the drinks and lunch.  This was a good excursion since lots of folks were disembarking and embarking that day and we didn't have to be around.

 

Prayers to those on the care list and those who need them.  Best wishes to all.

@rafinmdprayers you get the second study.

 

Coming into San Antonio

[ger_77]

Doing a late afternoon check-in.  @rafinmdI'm adding my prayers to everyone else's for a positive outcome to your heart issue.  I'm so happy to see people getting their appointments, first, and second jabs . . . that makes our chances of returning back to a normal (I didn't say normal as we used to know), much better.

 

I have a question for those working with cactus - how on earth do you ever manage to transplant them?  They look super dangerous!

 

@kazusometimes I even have coffee in my Baileys!  LOL

 

Smooth Sailing!

Gerry

[VintageGeo]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Is anyone else having problems staying logged into CC?  That's been going on for me for a week or more.  Such a pain logging in over and over each day.

It seems to come and go here. It will last for a day or two, or three and then stop. We haven't had it happen for a couple of weeks now.

P.S. Cussing at the laptop doesn't seem to help....