The Daily for Thursday 01/13/2022

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

A late good morning from Quartzsite.  Weather report is more of the same.

 

While I try to stay positive, I've noticed that in recent years I've become more skeptical.  I don't remember if the DDs had a rubber duckie, but I do remember the song.  With our recent Koningsdam cruise, we got to live our dream for four weeks.

 

Mark Twain's quote is something I do my best to live by.

 

The chicken enchiladas or enchiladas of any kind sound good -  well, truthfully, most enchiladas.  The one thing I miss when we're in Quartzsite is the cheese enchiladas at our Tex-Mex restauarant in Texas. Tonight we'll be having beans cooked with the leftover Christmas ham, which was taking up room in the freezer, along with cornbread muffins.

 

We'll pass on the drink and the wine which is way over the budget.

 

@Cruzin Terri Sorry you're having problems with your iMac.  Hope they can get it fixed.

@Heartgrove  Happy you have so many birthday cruises booked. 👍

@cat shepard  Ann, I have really enjoyed the library series.  The cat meme reminded me a of a sign our neighbors had on their motorhome:  "Please don't let the cat out, no matter what he tells you".

@ger_77  Gerry, that is my kind of omelette.  I'll be glad to help finish the leftovers.  🤣

@smitty34877  Terryy, I'm very happy that Tana's oxygen need is heading in the right direction.

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, good that you got to talk to DD.  Hope today isn't too rough for her and that tomorrow is better.

@marshhawk  Good to know you now have more work.  Safe travels to your DH and hope he enjoys the visit with his family.

@HAL Sailer  Enjoyed your pictures of Ephesus.  Mine are very similar.

@Horizon chaser 1957  Loved the lyrics to the song, if not the weather.

@bobpatj  Sorry you NA cruise was canceled.  Hope you find another one.

 

We have been to Kusadasi and Ephesus three times on BHBs.  Two maybe three visits on the Prinsendam in 2016 were canceled were canceled along with the Black Sea cruise after the coup attempt.  On our three visits we have been to Mary's House once, and Ephesus twice.  The third time we just walked around Kusadasi.  After our tours to Ephesus we were dropped at the rug store, but politely skipped the demonstration.  We did buy a small rug on the first time there.  It is hanging on the wall in the livingroom.

 

I'm going to post my pictures from Mary's house and Ephesus here, and the ones from Kusadasi in another post.  We went in Mary's house, but were not allowed to take pictures.  I think it was because a priest was preparing to say Mass.

 

Mary's House

 

Some of the people on our tour filling their vials with water from the fountain.

 

The wishing wall

 

And of course, the shopping opportunity

 

A different take on Ephesus -- some of the locals enjoying a nice day or looking for a belly rub

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[sailingdutchy]

Good morning all , it looks like another nice day in the Daily neighbourhood , thank you Rich and friends .

We have been a half dozen times to Ephesus from Kusadasi and I expect a lot of pictures today of beautiful Ephesus.

 

In 2015 while on the Zuiderdam for a wonderful cruise in the Mediterranean we stopped in Kusadasi once more and I thought to surprise my DW with a different day out , I had booked a guide and with two other ladies we first did some touring around in the morning saw some Roman ruins , went to the obligatory carpet factory and before we went to a small local market to buy fresh supplies for the cooking class I had booked at the guides home with his wife so without further ado I will get to the pictures and they will do most of the talking I believe . 

 

To wake up and get acquainted some Turkish tea .

 

 

 

For a couple of cigarettes from our guide to the local farmer we were allowed to take some pictures of the stork at a farmhouse right next to the van  ……...

 

 

 

Our supplies for what was coming ...............

 

 

 

But first the sales pitch

 

 

 

 

Meeting the guides wife in the very nice outdoor kitchen , our instructor and starting to chop .

 

 

Getting right into it 

 

Filling the peppers 

 

 

Don’t worry they also kept me busy besides taking pictures I had to harvest grape leaves and do some chopping and rolling …..

 

 

Testing and tasting .......mmmmmmmm ! 

 

 

The final touches

 

 

We dug right in so not too many nicely plated pictures 

 

 

 

It was all delicious , we had such an amazing day and while DW did not know in the morning what was in store for her that day in Kusadasi ................ she just loved it ! 

 

Tony 😁😘

[srdancer]

I posted this on yesterday’s Daily late at night when I couldn’t sleep:

 

Sorry that so many are having health issues yourselves and among families and friends. And especially losing them. 
We have had many serious health problems in the family and among our friends the last few weeks. As if Covid wasn’t enough…….

 

@kazu, I am so sorry for all your problems, it really must be hell. Prayers for Jose to improve.

 

 

 

 

 

@smitty34877

Prayers for Tana.

On a happier subject, I love the photos of Miss Camilla. She is precious. My nephew and wife have a 7 month old girl and she brings us all much joy.

 

Sandy

[ottahand7]

@Overhead Fred Your photos are beautiful from the butterfly farm in Aruba.    How did you find that place?   Is there a vendor in the area when we get off the ship.  We will be there mid-February and that looks like something different + where there are butterflies there are flowers.    🦋

 

No rubber duckies at our house but many feathered duckies in the pond behind the house.   I am a skeptic and I have a hard time hiding it most times.  I just finished reading the Book of John with our original NT skeptic Thomas at the close. Mark Twain quote is the simple way to live one's life.   I will have to pass on the Cristal unless I hit the jackpot and then I think I would go with a NV Krug anyway.   

 

Debbie the Chicken Enchilada recipes look great!   Before we started to buckle down with the Keto/ Atkins we had them every once in a while at home, they are my go to at a Mexican restaurant.   Mine always fall apart when I plate them - probably too much sauce and too hungry to let them set up a bit.  Never have been to Ephesus.    Someday....  Still have to get around South America.   

 

Prayers for healing and safety for everyone.    

[srdancer]

We were supposed to stop in Ephesus on a Med cruise in Oct, 2020. But of course it was canceled. 

[Cruising-along]

44 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

"Please don't let the cat out, no matter what he tells you".

I have that sign too!  Sadly we don't have a cat now, but I'm hanging onto it for when we do.  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Kusadasi is an easy town to walk around unless you decide to climb up to the flag and statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk which a friend did.  We're not that adventurous.  While the vendors in the different storea and stalls wanted to sell us something, they were not a pushy as those in many places, especially if you took a minute to talk with them.  And many bargained, which is always good.

 

The fortress at the entrance to the harbor

 

The statue of Ataturk, the founder of the modern, secural repbulic of Turkey after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. He became the first president of Turkey in 1923 and held the office until his death in 1938.  He was given the honorific Ataturk by the Turkish parliament in 1934.  The title Ataturk means "Father of the Turks".

 

 

 

The new cruise termnal and a dance troup greeting us.

 

Truth in advertising is good, and this was not the only store that had similar signs.

 

Scenes from our walks around town

 

 

The mosque, which is located in an area near the port and surrounded by shopping streets.  You have to really look for the street that leads to the mosque.

 

 

 

The main street in front of the port, with shopping and restaurants

 

A friendly merchant

 

A pretty fountain near the entrance to the port arcade with many more shops, and where you can get private tours.

 

Lenda

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

6 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

I have that sign too!  Sadly we don't have a cat now, but I'm hanging onto it for when we do.  

  

Unfortunately, our friends don't have that cat either.

Edited January 13, 2022 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[nancynana9950]

1 hour ago, XBGuy said:

Riffing on @Overhead Fred's theme, last night I saw an terrific Nova episode about butterflies.  There is some absolutely amazing science being done on butterflies.  Recent discoveries are leading to new materials development which have the potential of vastly improving the efficiency of solar cells, and, even, create materials that can improve ship design.  If you get a chance to see this episode, I would encourage you to catch it.

Wasn’t that interesting! In my area they also replayed the show about Hidey the octopus. It was just as amazing as the first time I watched it!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We just got a heat shield for our outdoor propane heater.  Sometimes instructions just want to make you say, DUH!

 

The six page (yest six pages) instruction manual is 5 1/2 pages of warings, danger and cautions, plus a check list for before installing and operating the heater.  All for a metal shield to redirect the heat!  

 

One item on the checklist is that there is plenty of fresh air ventilation.  Don't think that will be a problem outside.  🤣

 

The so called manual had my engineer DH laughing and shaking his head before he said "throw it away".  😁

 

Edited January 13, 2022 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Oceansaway17]

6 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Daily!  

Tomorrow I might make an omelet.

 

 

So, is there some home fries on the side or some ham?????

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I was able to speak with DD for a bit.  She's very tired and may be taking another nap soon.  The pain pills made her itchy so she had to take Benadryl to combat that.  The Benadryl could be another reason she's sleepy.  The arm and hand are pretty swollen, so she's going to loosen the bandage on her hand, and is icing her elbow.  She said her face felt swollen too.  In addition she has a headache!  So looks like today is not going to be a good one, but I'm hoping tomorrow is better.  🤞

Sending your daughter our best wishes Sandi.

Hopefully tomorrow she feels a lot better.

Graham.

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily.

Fun days. I try not to be too skeptical. May my dreams come true! Rubber duckies are cute, but I never owned one.

Very true quote.

I like the meal (but rarely eat enchiladas) and drink; can't afford the champagne.

I've never been to Ephesus. Thanks for the pictures @HAL Sailer @Quartzsite Cruiser@sailingdutchy

 

It's cold here with flurries. Due to the snow predictions, I moved my appointment for lab work from Monday to Wednesday. I've still been fiddling around with my printer. I was reading how to test the power cord with a multimeter. I thought, I have one of those. Well, turns out I hadn't used it in ages, and the battery inside had leaked all over. I think it's a goner. I may pick up an inexpensive digital one.

 

@kazu Many prayers for Jose, you and the dogs.

@smitty34877 Continued prayers for Tana. Good to hear her oxygen was reduced. Progress!

@rafinmd I hope you continue to get improvement in your stamina and strength.

@aliaschief I can do an EKG on my Apple watch, but am considering the Kardia due to my history of arrhythmia (not afib, and controlled with medication). I have a similar device called ECG Check, but it's about 8 years old and more simplistic in its interpretations of rhythms. Congrats on the lost pounds!

@marshhawk Congrats on the work situation. 

@Sharon in AZ Sorry to hear about DS's SO and DGD with Covid.

@StLouisCruisers Sorry that DD is so uncomfortable. Maybe a good nap will help a little. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

 

Prayers for the Care List and a toast to the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

 

A rubber duck floating in the Allegheny River.

Edited January 13, 2022 by JazzyV

[Oceansaway17]

8 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Good afternoon from a sunny 44°F NE coast of England where we have had lunch overlooking the sea.

 

I hope everyone has a nice day and stay safe 😷.

Graham.

 

 

 

 

Graham: are you near the town of Peterborough and if so, have you been inside the big Cathedral?

Also do you or can you take ferries from NE England over to Denmark or Norway?

 

toodles

[Overhead Fred]

2 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

@Overhead Fred Your photos are beautiful from the butterfly farm in Aruba.    How did you find that place?   Is there a vendor in the area when we get off the ship.  We will be there mid-February and that looks like something different + where there are butterflies there are flowers.    🦋

 

It is about 3 or so miles north of the cruise port. We found as part of a HAL excursion but you can certainly go there on your own (https://www.thebutterflyfarm.com/index.html). 

 

If you like butterflies, check out the Butterfly Conservatory in Key West if you are ever in the area (https://www.keywestbutterfly.com/).

[Mtn2Sea]

After yesterday’s procedure to remove the squamous cell carcinoma on my nose, I diligently followed the plastic surgeon’s instructions regarding keeping ice on the areas below my eyes and so far I don’t have a black eye the doctor warned me about.  I’m experiencing some soreness, but things are definitely getting better.  Roy @rafinmd I think you can now take me off the rotation care list.

 

We’ve been to Kusadasi six or seven times.  When we booked our first Mediterranean cruise that included this Turkish stop, I asked myself why did they include Turkey as a port call.  Turkey is now one of my favorite countries to visit.  On our first visit, we did not go to Ephesus, but instead took a tour that visited Priene, Miletus, and Didyma.  Although we totally loved our tour, I would recommend a first time visitor go to Ephesus and try to include the Terrace Houses.  Here are a few photos from our first visit to Turkey.

 

Three photos from Priene.

 

 

 

A couple of photos from Miletus.

 

Two photos of the Apollo Temple at Didyma.

 

 A photo of some boats in Kusadasi while walking back to the Rotterdam.

 

 

[ger_77]

29 minutes ago, Mtn2Sea said:

We’ve been to Kusadasi six or seven times.  When we booked our first Mediterranean cruise that included this Turkish stop, I asked myself why did they include Turkey as a port call.  Turkey is now one of my favorite countries to visit.  On our first visit, we did not go to Ephesus, but instead took a tour that visited Priene, Miletus, and Didyma.  Although we totally loved our tour, I would recommend a first time visitor go to Ephesus and try to include the Terrace Houses.  Here are a few photos from our first visit to Turkey.

 

I'm glad to hear your surgery went well and that you aren't going to have a black eye (at least not right away).  

 

Like you, on our first time stopping at Kusadasi, we took the 3 city tour and were blown away by what we saw.  I still remember running our hands along the wall at the Temple of Apollo and not being able to feel the joint between one piece of marble and another.  For our 2nd and 3rd times stopping at that port, we took the Ephesus tour and I'd gladly do it another 2 or 3 times!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[rafinmd]

6 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Sorry to hear this Roy.

Hopefully your fatigue levels improve significantly in the very near future.

Graham.

I really find it hard to complain.  The issue was discovered during a routine test almost 25 years ago(2/18/97) and there was some trouble associated with the surgery but most of the last 25 years have been pretty easy, generally the worst I had was a shot every 3 months which I could occasionally extent past 4 months for long cruises, and there has been no pain with any of this (except that operation 25 years ago) and the only real side effects the last 24 years being pooped out early in the evening.  How much can I complain?

 

Roy

[Sea Viewer]

9 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I really find it hard to complain.   the only real side effects the last 24 years being pooped out early in the evening.  How much can I complain?

 

Roy

 

What a great attitude! You have always shown a great zest for life in your travels, may you have many more to share with us.

Mary

[dobiemom]

Covid test negative) - ✔️
Mani/Pedi - ✔️
Chiropractor appt - ✔️
Went to bank for cash - ✔️
Got a call from TA… cruise is cancelled. 😢😭

Oh well, c’est la vie. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The good news is these vacation days can go back in my “bank.” I was getting worried that the bank was looking a bit low. 

[Rowsby]

2 minutes ago, dobiemom said:

Covid test negative) - ✔️
Mani/Pedi - ✔️
Chiropractor appt - ✔️
Went to bank for cash - ✔️
Got a call from TA… cruise is cancelled. 😢😭

Oh well, c’est la vie. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The good news is these vacation days can go back in my “bank.” I was getting worried that the bank was looking a bit low. 

 

We really need an "OH NO" button......so sorry....!!!!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

4 minutes ago, dobiemom said:

Covid test negative) - ✔️
Mani/Pedi - ✔️
Chiropractor appt - ✔️
Went to bank for cash - ✔️
Got a call from TA… cruise is cancelled. 😢😭

Oh well, c’est la vie. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The good news is these vacation days can go back in my “bank.” I was getting worried that the bank was looking a bit low. 

 

I can't like your post since your cruise was canceled, but I do like your attitude about the cancellation.

 

Lenda

[JazzyV]

7 minutes ago, dobiemom said:

Covid test negative) - ✔️
Mani/Pedi - ✔️
Chiropractor appt - ✔️
Went to bank for cash - ✔️
Got a call from TA… cruise is cancelled. 😢😭

Oh well, c’est la vie. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The good news is these vacation days can go back in my “bank.” I was getting worried that the bank was looking a bit low. 

 

So sorry to hear this. I guess on to planning another one.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

2 hours ago, JazzyV said:

It's cold here with flurries. Due to the snow predictions, I moved my appointment for lab work from Monday to Wednesday. I've still been fiddling around with my printer. I was reading how to test the power cord with a multimeter. I thought, I have one of those. Well, turns out I hadn't used it in ages, and the battery inside had leaked all over. I think it's a goner. I may pick up an inexpensive digital one.

 

 

 

Vanessa, our guess is the old batteries were Duracell.  In the past year, we have found many of our Durracell batteries have leaked and even ruined several things.  In a bluetooth keyboard the leak was so bad we could not even get the battery compartment open.  Needless to say, we have switched out all the remaining Duracell batteries.

 

Lenda

[grapau27]

27 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I really find it hard to complain.  The issue was discovered during a routine test almost 25 years ago(2/18/97) and there was some trouble associated with the surgery but most of the last 25 years have been pretty easy, generally the worst I had was a shot every 3 months which I could occasionally extent past 4 months for long cruises, and there has been no pain with any of this (except that operation 25 years ago) and the only real side effects the last 24 years being pooped out early in the evening.  How much can I complain?

 

Roy

Roy you have a fantastic attitude.

I am pleased for you that the last 25 years have been generally kind to you after your operation and you have been able to cruise many times.

I sincerely hope the early evening fatigue after your radiation therapy eases considerably and you are able to get back to normal.

Graham.