The Daily for Saturday Jun 05, 2021

[bennybear]

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I heard about 20 minutes ago from my nieces that their Mother passed away last night just before midnight.  She went to be with those babies I'm betting.  The girls were notified ahead of time and made it to the hospice in time to be with her.  

 

My DS is finally at peace and with her loved ones in heaven.  

Oh, Sandi!  So sad!  My deepest condolences! 

[kplady]

@StLouisCruisersSandi, so sorry to hear about Nancy's passing.  This has been an extremely difficult time for you and your family.  I know you have fond memories of your visit with her recently.  I love the picture of her sitting in a rocking chair in Heaven with the twins in her arms.  Love and prayers to you and your family.

Laura

[superoma]

A little bit of good news, my dh had his second shot of moderna yesterday, no side effects. I just snagged an appointment for my second Pfizer on Tuesday at 11:30.

[travelnap]

1 hour ago, GeorgeCharlie said:

A hot air balloon ride was something my DW and I had always wanted to do, and there’s a bit of a story as to where we finally got a balloon ride.

 

Over the years we had tried to fit in a ride with one of the local companies but were never able to arrange it to our convenience. Seeing my DW had a significant birthday coming up in a couple of years, I suggested we do a balloon ride to celebrate it. As her birthday is in October and we frequently traveled to the Southwestern US at that time of the year, I was thinking of somewhere like New Mexico.

 

Oh! Was I wrong!!

 

She soon came up as to where she wanted to do her birthday balloon ride – the Serengeti.

 

So, in 2008 we were off to East Africa for a typical safari excursion, which included a balloon ride over the Serengeti on her birthday.

 

Like ‘travelnap’ mentioned, we had to get up very early (in our case 2am) to drive some distance to the departure point, so that we were airborne at sunrise.

 

The sun rising as we arrive.

 

They have a regulation that there can only be two balloons in the Serengeti, so the company that has the contract, built two special large 16-passenger models.

 

 

The basket in which 2 people are placed in each small compartment. How they place people caught us at a bit of a surprise. We are fairly short, so we were put in one of the inside compartments and the taller people went in the outside compartments. We thought this to be somewhat unfair, as we then would have to look around the taller people to see some of the views. They then explained, that the inside compartment were close to the propane burners and there was the risk taller people would get their hair scorched!!

 

Great Pictures, and our basket was very similar to yours with the multiple compartments.  The trip was long enough ago that I don't have any digital pictures to share.  I think I ended up shooting like 25 rolls of film on that trip so lots of developing fees when I returned from the trip.  Thanks for sharing your pictures with us.

 

 

[ger_77]

@rafinmd Montmartre, of course, you told me that a long time ago and I had forgotten.  I'm so glad people in the smaller communities are having vaccination sites close by, rather than having to travel long distances to get them.

 

Update on my 2nd dose of Pfizer:  no reaction at all.  It was as if I haven't even had a vaccination - yay!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all who make this such a  Wonderful warm supportive place! 
 

Well  my grandmother did a balloon ride to celebrate her 80 th birthday, so I still have lots of time!  
 

@kazu I totally hear you,  I try to scroll on by but the vitriol is upsetting.  This pandemic seems to have brought out the worst in some people, but fortunately not here!  
 

[Marmot@Sea]

@StLouisCruisersMy deepest sympathy to you and your family in the passing of your sister Nancy.

 

Val

[StLouisCruisers]

For all who posted today with your condolences and kind words, I am most appreciative.  What a tragic day yesterday was in the family!  I only wish the rest of the family knew all of you here and could feel your virtual hugs.  

 

@Himself Father, thank you for the prayer for Nancy.  It was so comforting. @kazuthanks for the mention on Care List this morning before we received the news and also for your condolences.  I hope I haven't forgotten one of you - I made a list to thank you all personally.  @Cruise Suzy @Sea Viewer @Rowsby@cat shepard@travelnap@travelingbums @mamaofami @superoma @smitty34877 @1ANGELCAT @dfish @puppycanducruise @Quartzsite Cruiser @cunnorl @rafinmd @ger_77 @kb4683 @Seasick Sailor @Horizon chaser 1957  @Mtn2Sea @Sharon in AZ @Love the beach @Vict0riann @garlictown  @Copper10-8 @atexsix @bennybear @kpladyand @Marmot@Sea

 

My sincere thanks to you all.

[Tbay]

@StLouisCruisersI am so sorry to hear about your sister.  And very glad you were able to visit last week. May your memories keep her close in your heart.

[Ichiban Nekko]

Good Afternoon Dailyites! Thank you all for continuing to make this the very best thread on CC!

 

Yes, every day should be Environment Day. 

 

Going up in the basket of a balloon is very high on our bucket list. Odd though, considering both myself and DH are terrified of heights. Go figure.

 

Lamb is always a good idea in this household; and roast leg of lamb is particularly sought after. Sadly our supermarket has not received that memo. 😉 And I think the Meritage would work very well with the lamb. However, burgers & corn are on the menu here tonight.

 

@StLouisCruisers  We send you our sincere condolences on your loss. Thankfully, you have many lovely memories of your times together.

 

@ger_77 We also send you our our sincere condolences on the loss of your uncle. 

 

@kazu I am appalled when I glance at some other threads and read the vitriol. It is particularly sad when I read that it has been directed at you and people like you. People who share information, knowledge, and kindness. Like @atexsix this thread and any roll call we may be involved in are becoming our go-to stops here on CC.

 

@tjcox9 Thank you for sharing your St Pierre photos. We remember that Rotterdam sailing fondly. We walked into town and had a lovely time walking around. When we returned to the ship, the fog was rolling in. After we went up the gangway, we could barely see the pier.  At our dining table that evening, we heard from people who were stuck on that tender trying to find the ship. The tender and Rotterdam were 'communicating' using their horns. These people said it was really quite terrifying at the time, but it did end well.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day and evening!

 

 

[kazu]

1 hour ago, ger_77 said:

Update on my 2nd dose of Pfizer:  no reaction at all.  It was as if I haven't even had a vaccination - yay!

 

Great news!!! 😄 

[lindaler]

I’m back. List complete. Now for a quiet weekend. I guess I’m having a big salad for dinner. 

[Horizon chaser 1957]

1 hour ago, St. Louis Sal said:

 

The touchdown is always fun. My first flight, Rebecca Magee was one of the chasers (and one of my Sunday School students) and she said, “Mrs. Dehner, did you close your eyes for the landing?” Yes, I did. Unlike me, Rebecca is a brave woman. She set 3 world records for a female pilot, with no basket, just dangling in a seat below the balloon. Her altitude reached 3149 meters. She flew 98.4 km in 2 hours. 
 

St Louis Sal

Oh wow!

[tjcox9]

44 minutes ago, Ichiban Nekko said:

 

@tjcox9 Thank you for sharing your St Pierre photos. We remember that Rotterdam sailing fondly. We walked into town and had a lovely time walking around. When we returned to the ship, the fog was rolling in. After we went up the gangway, we could barely see the pier.  At our dining table that evening, we heard from people who were stuck on that tender trying to find the ship. The tender and Rotterdam were 'communicating' using their horns. These people said it was really quite terrifying at the time, but it did end well.

 

Nice to know that someone else (other than friends we made on that trip and still cruise with) remembers that day, one of the more interesting tender experiences we've had! However, we were near the front of line for the tenders. As you can see from the vantage point of the photo, the line goes on and on............

 

 

 

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily.

All good days. I used to love photographing the summer hot air balloon launches during the 3 Rivers Regatta, way back when (slide film). I've never been up in one.

Good meal (sans olives) and drinks. I also like Roy's meal.

I haven't been to today's port. Never heard of it actually and had to Google it. Thanks for photos from those who have been there.

 

It's 87F and sunny right now. I'm staying inside. Also decided to sign up for Weight Watchers to get rid of the pandemic/steroids weight. Now I need to go grocery shopping.

 

@StLouisCruisers My condolences on the loss of your sister. Never easy, even when expected. Prayers for you and your family.

 

Congrats to all getting vaccinated. Prayers for the care list and cheers for the celebration list.

 

A couple of old photos (slides) scanned into the PC. The balloon would lift up at sunrise down at the Point (confluence of the 3 rivers).

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Good Afternoon from the Lighted Desert that Never Sleeps.

First Thanks to Rich @richwmnfor the Daily, and to Jacqui @kazu  for the Care List and Roy @rafinmd  for the Celebrations and Shoutouts.

I am late to the reading of CC this morning. Let me tell you it is truly summer in Las Vegas we have matched record highs for this date three times this week and is already 103 at noon.

Despite the heat Las Vegas is crazy busy and crowded we have opened to 100% thankfully infection rate of covid as continued it's downward trend. Although what I do find interesting going out to local stores and restaurants I would say 90% are still wearing masks. The actual Las Vegas Strip could be a bit different. I think for the most part everyone is still being very cautious which is good.

Fortunately all is good with us although our Son who lost his job with the Pandemic because the restaurant he worked for went totally out of business has been trying to get a job. They talk constantly about all the job openings and yes that is true. He is averaging applying for 10+ a week and for the last several weeks has been averaging 3 to 4 call backs for interviews. He had 4 interviews this week. But sadly has heard nothing back despite having had 20+ years experience. I know he will eventually get something and financially he is totally fine but trust me when you hear everyone is hiring it should be easy to get a job. That is not the reality.

Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend, Enjoy!!

[57redbird]

We got a Group-on coupon for a hot air balloon ride over Vegas.....it was a memorable activity....so peaceful & quiet.  beautiful sunrise.  We'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[kazu]

15 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

I know he will eventually get something and financially he is totally fine but trust me when you hear everyone is hiring it should be easy to get a job. That is not the reality.

 

Oh dear, Lisa.  What a shame.  I hope he finds a job he enjoys very soon 🤞 

[lazey1]

8 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I heard about 20 minutes ago from my nieces that their Mother passed away last night just before midnight.  She went to be with those babies I'm betting.  The girls were notified ahead of time and made it to the hospice in time to be with her.  

 

My DS is finally at peace and with her loved ones in heaven.  

Because God understands your heart, He understands your hurt and is reaching out in love to help your healing begin. 

With deep sympathy for your multiple losses.

Jane

[AncientWanderer]

Good afternoon.  I've missed much of the Daily for a few days because I've been having "the dizzies" and the scrolling doesn't help.  I saw the doc on Friday to start the process of finding out why, but dizziness is the great mystery of medicine, so it will be a long process.

 

Hot air balloons remind me of a favorite childhood book, "The 21 Balloons," about the eruption of Krakatoa.  It's a charming story that I can highly recommend.

 

Reading over our Daily, clearly the one who most needs plentiful hugs and prayers is our@StLouisCruisers, Sandi.  So I'm not even gonna mention anyone else.  What a sad, sad time in your family, Sandi.  We went through a period about five years ago when we lost several loved ones, one right after another.   It's just very, very difficult and no words can make it less so.

I'm sending my most sincere condolences and prayers for you and yours during this very tough time.  God be with you and your family.

[Happily@Sea]

9 hours ago, dfish said:

 

I hear you.   Many of the other threads are scary places to go.   Sometimes I read them for the "entertainment" value, which can border on a horror show.   Most of the time it is scroll on by.   We do appreciate  your good deeds here on the Daily.

 

Or the threads that start out simple and interesting - and some poster takes umbrage at something someone else said and it turns into a 'shouting match'. Goodbye original subject.

 

The reason I like this thread.

[bennybear]

18 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

Good afternoon.  I've missed much of the Daily for a few days because I've been having "the dizzies" and the scrolling doesn't help.  I saw the doc on Friday to start the process of finding out why, but dizziness is the great mystery of medicine, so it will be a long process.

 

Hot air balloons remind me of a favorite childhood book, "The 21 Balloons," about the eruption of Krakatoa.  It's a charming story that I can highly recommend.

 

Reading over our Daily, clearly the one who most needs plentiful hugs and prayers is our@StLouisCruisers, Sandi.  So I'm not even gonna mention anyone else.  What a sad, sad time in your family, Sandi.  We went through a period about five years ago when we lost several loved ones, one right after another.   It's just very, very difficult and no words can make it less so.

I'm sending my most sincere condolences and prayers for you and yours during this very tough time.  God be with you and your family.

I like your kind comments but not your dizziness.  My mother suffered from vertigo until she got a specialist who helped maneuver the small crystals in her ears back in place.  It sounds bizarre but really worked.  I hope they can help you soon! 

Edited June 5, 2021 by bennybear

[kplady]

I have to thank everyone for the pictures of St. Pierre and Miquelon.  We will be stopping there next year on our cruise.  It looks like a lovely small town. Hoping we won't have any tender issues!!!

 

Laura

[St Pete Cruiser]

We enjoyed a port call at St Pierre on the Zuiderdam's Viking Passage cruise in July, 2019.  The Zuiderdam had to tender, but was able to without problem that day and we enjoyed a rather long tender ride in the sunshine.  

As an overseas territory of France, the Euro is the currency and you actually find goods from France there.  It was an issue during WWII when France was taken by the ***.

 

  https://s.amsu.ng/GHM4BfMFNEQN.

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Thank you again to @Tbay @Ichiban Nekko  @JazzyV @lazey1 and @AncientWandererfor your sympathy and kindness.  I'm so grateful to have a place to come and commune with everyone.

 

I've been checking out the photos today of not only our port of the day, but the hot air balloons.  Something I've never thought of doing, but it does look peaceful.  Thanks to all for your contributions.

 

I finally had something to smile about today when I heard DGS's soccer team won the Michigan Soccer State Championship for their age range (U14 which means born in 2007).  They'll actually be playing in a huge soccer tourney at the end of June in St. Louis so looks like I'll be making two trips to St. Louis this month.  The first time being the funeral for DS whenever it is.  The second time so we can watch DGS play.  It's spread out over 5 or 6 days.  Glad to have something nice to look forward to.