The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday July 7th, 2022

[St Pete Cruiser]

My Holland America news states that June was a post pandemic record for bookings, with Alaska getting the heaviest of it.  There is no question travelers are releasing their pent up dollars.  The pics on CC from our people show beautiful sunny days in Alaska, only pushing more of us to click that confirm button.

Yesterday, for personal therapy, I looked at booking the N Statendam for Oct 8, Quebec to Fort Lauderdale.  The itinerary is better than Zaandam's, with 14 days including Saguenay and port calls at Gaspe and Portland, Maine as well as Boston.  My hope was to fly to NYC, overnight for 2 nights, and ride Amtrak to Montreal on the Adirondack, taking in the autumn colors and sites. Found out, that service still hasn't been restored since the border was closed for Covid.  Flights to Quebec don't work from down here.

Once I get a clear bill of health, I may resume my cruise therapy.

[richwmn]

31 minutes ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Yesterday, for personal therapy, I looked at booking the N Statendam for Oct 8, Quebec to Fort Lauderdale. 

Several regular posters to the Daily are on this cruise (including me), and would be glad to have you join us.

[HAL Sailer]

Yesterday, my DH's specialist opined that a couple of routine tests that would usually be recommended following DH's recent hospitalization have a risk level for him that outweighs any possible reward. Sigh.

 

It doesn't make me sad. It just confirms the truth of our new phase of life. Or, as one Crystal cruiser posted when asked which line he/she would select above the others during Crystal's shutdown, "Our cruising days are behind us is in first place."

 

So, everyone that still can, please get out there and travel as you can! And, know that I will travel vicariously enjoying your photos and stories and suggestions till the day comes that I can resume my journeys.

 

It doesn't make me sad. It is actually a comfort as the specialist's advice helps me focus on enjoying 'the now' making different types of memories with my DH.

 

Bon Voyage,

-Melisa 

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites. Thanks to all our contributors,  our F & B ladies, and Rich and Roy.

 

Wow our time difference between Maui and Georgetown is 5 hours. Although I got up at 6, ya'll are probably thinking about dinner by now...

 

Sandi, prayers for your family. Especially Buddy and Amy. Prayers extending to all on our prayer lists.

 

Jacqui, you are hanging in there. You've done some cleaning, packing, gardening, wine drinking. 

 

Today we pick up my sister at the airport.  She will stay a week to celebrate my sweet husbands birthday. This is the longest time we've spent apart (a year!) So we have much to catch up on!

 

Cheers, Prayers and Blessings 

 

 

[Seasick Sailor]

7 minutes ago, HAL Sailer said:

Yesterday, my DH's specialist opined that a couple of routine tests that would usually be recommended following DH's recent hospitalization have a risk level for him that outweighs any possible reward. Sigh.

 

It doesn't make me sad. It just confirms the truth of our new phase of life. Or, as one Crystal cruiser posted when asked which line he/she would select above the others during Crystal's shutdown, "Our cruising days are behind us is in first place."

 

So, everyone that still can, please get out there and travel as you can! And, know that I will travel vicariously enjoying your photos and stories and suggestions till the day comes that I can resume my journeys.

 

It doesn't make me sad. It is actually a comfort as the specialist's advice helps me focus on enjoying 'the now' making different types of memories with my DH.

 

Bon Voyage,

-Melisa 

 

Melisa, I hope you find comfort in your next phase. God Bless you!

[HAL Sailer]

4 hours ago, kazu said:

 There is much more to Madeira than just Funchal.

 

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

@marshhawk I agree with Jacqui, @kazu, Madeira is worth seeing as it's a beautiful island. 

 

@marshhawk I absolutely agree! See as much of Madeira as time allows.

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!  

@HAL Sailer   Your Wisdom and grace continue to amaze me.  Thank you! 
Off to be eaten alive before the big thunderstorms.  Oh,  summer in Canada 

One of my roses is about to open,  the wild ones are gorgeous, 

[MISTER 67]

1 hour ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Thank you for cheering the Rays on to a 7-1 win.  Yes, the sports authorities hate the Trop, but when it is 90F with strong chance of rain, we like it!  Our newspaper says June was record heat here.  Just hope it won't be record hurricanes, too.

 

I agree, the Trop does get a bad rap, it's a pretty good place to watch a ballgame, my only problem is those darn rings that support the dome.

[StLouisCruisers]

2 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning. Not much time as we are getting ready to go whale watching. Yesterday we visited Cape Lookout and Cape Meares Lighthouse. Several beaches with their beautiful rock formations. We also went to Tillamook Creamery where they produce 85,000 lbs. of cheese per day and they also make great ice cream. For dinner last night we cooked a bushel of raw oysters. They were great and the oysters were huge.

 

Thanks for the report. Prayers for Buddy and family and all in need.

 

 

 

Thanks Bruce!  And your photos are wonderful.  Sounds like you're really enjoying this trip.

[StLouisCruisers]

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

Not much on the agenda today other than I need to get my hair cut.  That and some gardening/housework will fill the day.

 

I'm all for chocolate any time any day! Forgiveness is so important, and I wish I could take a walk with my dear Dad. I don't agree with the quote and find it sad.  Will pass on the meal, drink and wine.

 

As Rich said, he and we were in Corner Brook in 2018 on the Voyage of the Vikings.  I loved that town!  Before the cruise I had read that one nice thing to do there is take the walk around the lake on Corner Brook Stream Trail.  So that's what we did.  Thankfully I didn't see any of the black flies that have been mentioned, and it was a 5+ mile walk.  It was a very warm and extremely humid day, and usually that would keep me inside, but this walk was absolutely lovely and I'm so glad we did it.  It did start raining before we were done, but luckily most of it was when we were in a wooded part with some cover.  You can make the walk shorter by not going completely around the lake, so you can make it as long or short as you want.

 

The lovely Rotterdam docked in Corner Brook

 

On our way to the start of the trail we passed this cute couple.

 

The Corner Brook Stream Trail circles this pond.

 

It was beautiful.

 

 

 

There were 2 swans and many ducks and seagulls.

 

One part of the trail had memorial trees and plaques --

 

This one is in memory of 2 soldiers

 

When it started to rain we were glad to be in this wooded area, so we didn't get *too* wet 😉  

 

If I ever get back to Corner Brook, I would do exactly this again!

 

 

 

I think this looks like a really nice way to spend the day in Corner Brook.  I love nature!

[StLouisCruisers]

1 hour ago, cruzn single said:

Just a quick post from me.  Haven't been able to post for over a week between being gone for DGD's wedding, visiting a friend, and some long Red Cross days.  I have read daily, almost, but getting to the laptop was not happening.

 

@StLouisCruisers, I was so sorry to hear of your family health problems.  Just to give some encouragement  for Buddy's wife.  Doing hospice care at home for my DH for almost 4 years was the hardest work of my life, but in reflecting back, it was also the most rewarding experience I ever had.  I cherish the time we had together and it makes the loss easier in so many ways.  (I know that 4 years is unusual, but lung diseases don't follow many timelines, according to his hospice nurse!). If his wife has the support of hospice nurses, etc., they will guide her lovingly through the whole process.

 

More later, if I get back in time from an out-of-town Red Cross meeting.

 

Thanks for your input on hospice care at home.  I think Amy will be fine once she know exactly how to use the pain pump.  You're right about hospice not always being a short term experience.  My DMIL was in hospice care at her nursing facility for about 15 months. They were all so good with her, no matter what her mood of the day was.

[puppycanducruise]

@HAL SailerYou are in my thoughts and prayers.  You have a wonderful attitude.

[Cat in my lap]

We took our COVID tests and both passed!  
 

Best wishes and prayers to all!

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

2 minutes ago, Cat in my lap said:

We took our COVID tests and both passed!  
 

Best wishes and prayers to all!

 

 

 

Always a cause for celebration!  A negative Covid test = Yay!!

[Red Haired Lady]

@kazu for Madeira - I highly recommend Daniel -  https://danielmadeirataxis.com/ Madeira is truly beautiful and his tours are easy to do and allow you to see some of fabulous Madeira.  There is much more to Madeira than just Funchal 😉 

 

I second kazu's recommendation!  I set up 6 vans of tours with them on my cruise in March of this year.  It was a fantastic tour. They are very promp with the email responses. Not only are the tours great, they are very reasonably priced.  I first found out about this company because of a post made by Tony aka Sailing Dutchy. 

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Good morning from a lovely but chilly day at sea.  I love chocolate and forgiveness but don't have a daughter.  The quote sounds kind of fatalistic.  I've driven by Corner Brook but never been there, although I was booked there on the Zuiderdam in 2020.  Cobb is not a favorite salad of mine.  My alternative is Oxtail Consume, Braised Lamb Shank, and Ice Cream as served on Queen Mary 2 July 6, 2022. 

 

I will probably take a day off on the lists tomorrow as disembarkation will be hectic.

 

Today’s care list:

StLouisCruisers DH awaiting biopsy result
StLouis Cruisers Sister and BIL with covid
Buddy entering Hospice
Covid in Durango shelter staff
Heartgrove brother discharged with extremely poor prognosis
From the rotation:
Strength and healing for Kazu
StLouisSal with weakening legs and covid
Cruzin Terri with continuing health problems
Tana with persistant cough

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

aliaschief in Oregon
Seasick Sailer in Hawaii
Volendam caring for refugees
2 days for Cat in My Lap  (Zaandam 7/9 to 8/13)
3 days for dobiemom (Rotterdam 7/10 to 7/17)
jimgev in Alaska
new bookings for me and Marshhawk
rafinmd  (QM2 to July  8), Mister Boston (Celebrity Summit to July  10), Crazy for Cats (Zaandam to 7/9), GTVCRUISER (Carnival Panorama to July 9) and ski ww (Oosterdam to July 16)  at sea
Vacationing Staff Captain Sabine - Our first female Staff Captain and HAL’s likely first female Captain(I know this is a repeat but she’s worth it)

Roy

 

 

Thank you for today's lists Roy.

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, marshhawk said:

Happy Thursday Dailyites!  Thank you for all the great information yesterday-I am going to copy and print and really make DH take a part in this trip.  I may take advantage of his being on meds, but he really shouldn't say yes to things if he doesn't mean it.  LOL.  He always says he lets me plan, and that he is just a passenger through life. I'm the driver. But when a trip involves more than 7 days, he needs to help be a co driver.  That was my rant for the day.  I'm done ranting.

 

I had my zoom meeting last night on the new campaign, and have an hour phone conversation with the boss about the computer screen at 10 this morning.  And then I guess I'm set to start. I do have some on line videos to watch regarding the programming, so maybe set to start, might mean tonight.

 

I love chocolate.  That is why I booked an excursion in Amber Cove in September to learn how to make chocolate.  That and it was a good excuse to be back in the mountains.  I hope it's not too hot.  The temperature outside, not the chocolate. Cruising along the coast of the Dominican Republic is beautiful, and we did get out of town and into the mountains on our last trip, hoping to see more of the country side this time.

 

 

 

@dfish those salads look wonderful.  I could eat the whole platter of it. With any of those dressings.

@grapau27thank you for the food porn, I agree with @StLouisCruisers, lunches having been looking fantastic, are you cruising again?

 

@kazuthe gardens are beautiful.  Everything that I planted two years ago in pots, are now dead.  BUT I had a beautiful begonia, that mysteriously reappeared in the pot.  It's growing back, and I hope it blooms this year.

 

Hugs to you all today!  I forgive the globe for going around in circles, it keeps us from falling off.  I have problems forgiving certain individuals that due to gravity, are still on it.

Thank you @marshhawkand Sandi @StLouisCruisers for your kind words.

We are not currently cruising.

Graham.

 

[1ANGELCAT]

Good afternoon all, I hope everyone is having a great day.

I spent some time with travel agent this morning trying to find out if my FCC is extended or transferable. She never has been able to get an answer. So July 12th is use or lose.

So, I have a tentative booking for Nieuw Statendam for Oct 2-8 , waiting to see if price changes tomorrow when promotion ends. Final payment is due 7/12.Air may be the issue, not many seats available.I will decide tomorrow. 
  Thee was also a dirt cheap 5 night Caribbean on Nieuw A the end of  October, balcony’s are 798.00.

Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I'm always for chocolate day. We need more forgiveness in the world. I never had a Father Daughter walk, but it sounds nice.

I disagree with the quote; sometimes it's true, but not always.

I like cobb salads. Pass on the drink. I'll take the wine.

I haven't been to Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Thanks for the pictures @StLouisCruisers @richwmn @Cruising-along 

 

Another steamy day here. We got about an inch of much needed rain yesterday. No big plans for me. I did wake up with some itching and a hive at my medication injection site. It's calmed down with Benadryl; I think I need to take a second dose in the afternoon on the day I give the shot.

 

@grapau27 How is your knee feeling?

@StLouisCruisers Continued prayers for Buddy, Amy and the family. 

@rafinmd Congrats on the Queen Anne booking in February.

@kazu Enjoy your visit with your friend. Lovely flowers.

@ottahand7 Sorry to hear it's taking so long to get someone to replace the HWH. 

@aliaschief Thanks for the pictures.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone; Covid numbers are on the rise, as are hospitalizations.

Thank you for asking Vanessa.

The constant pain has gone and although I know ultimately I will need an operation the Steroid injection has been amazing.

I have an appointment in a couple of weeks to assess the knee and possibly get an injection in the other knee.

Graham.

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, Cat in my lap said:

We went by subway to game and Rays won!  Stadium was full!  I like Tropicana field better.

 

Jacqui what is flower with whitish flowers?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice picture of you two.

Graham.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Yesterday, DH had an appointment with a new doctor, for a second opinion about his spinal stenosis and sciatica.  Tuesday, we found out the results of a head CAT scan ordered last week by our PCP in time for yesterday’s visit.  It turns out DH also has normal pressure hydrocephalus, which can occur as we get older.  Fortunately, both the back and head problems can be fixed with a surgical procedure.

 

However, the process to fix them will be on going and will take many months.  The fixes shouldn't take too long, but first you have to jump through all the hoops before Medicare will agree to pay for the next step.

 

DH was very impressed with the new doctor, who answered all our questions and did not hem and haw on the answers.  He started the first step to fix the back problem and referred DH to a neurosurgeon in Dallas to work on the head problem, which will most likely be a shunt to drain the excess fluid from his brain.  We were impressed when he said in the end both problems could be fixed, but he added that since they had gone on so long, he did not think the results would get DH back to where he had been previously, but would show a big improvement.  It was nice to have a doctor no promise what he might not be able to deliver.  He also wants DH to continue the physical therapy.

 

We agreed that the first course of action would be to handle the fluid  on the brain as it is making DH lightheaded and not feeling all that well.

 

It looks like we’ll be in Texas for longer than expected, but it also looks like we will be able to enjoy more time in Quartzsite and on BHBs in the future.

 

@rafinmd  Roy, since this is a long term, ongoing situation, DH does not need to be on the care list.  I don't intend to make updates unless it is something major.

 

@Cruising-along  Thank you for your pictures from Corner Brook. I want to go there even more now.

@JazzyV  Vanessa, it looks like the Benadryl is keeping the reaction to the injection under control.

@HAL Sailer  Melisa, your are the picture of grace under pressure.  Your attitude is an example to all of us.

@Seasick Sailor  Enjoy your visit with your sister.

@grapau27  Graham, I'm very happy the shot has made use a difference.  They can hold off the need for surgery for quite a while.

@rafinmd  Roy, safe travels home tomorrow.

 

Lenda

Edited July 7, 2022 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[HAL Sailer]

1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Melisa, I hope you find comfort in your next phase.

 

53 minutes ago, puppycanducruise said:

You have a wonderful attitude.

 

 

1 hour ago, bennybear said:

Your Wisdom and grace continue to amaze me.

 

@Seasick Sailor, @bennybear @puppycanducruise, and ALL other:

 

Thank you, but anything I can muster in our situation I owe to the example of my DM who cared for my DF through nine years of increasingly debilitating Parkinson's during what should have been their best years of retirement. And, after being widowed at age 72, she resumed their love of travel for her next twenty+ years eventually touring six continents before her own passing at age 97.

 

I consider their life lesson my blessing,

-Melisa 

[kochleffel]

38 minutes ago, Red Haired Lady said:

I second kazu's recommendation!  I set up 6 vans of tours with them on my cruise in March of this year.  It was a fantastic tour. They are very promp with the email responses. Not only are the tours great, they are very reasonably priced.  I first found out about this company because of a post made by Tony aka Sailing Dutchy.

 

Thanks to all of you for the suggestion. I have a booking on the Spanish Farewell for 2023. For the other ports, including Lisbon, I might use Spain Day Tours, as I've been satisfied with them in the past, but they don't offer anything on Madeira.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, HAL Sailer said:

Yesterday, my DH's specialist opined that a couple of routine tests that would usually be recommended following DH's recent hospitalization have a risk level for him that outweighs any possible reward. Sigh.

 

It doesn't make me sad. It just confirms the truth of our new phase of life. Or, as one Crystal cruiser posted when asked which line he/she would select above the others during Crystal's shutdown, "Our cruising days are behind us is in first place."

 

So, everyone that still can, please get out there and travel as you can! And, know that I will travel vicariously enjoying your photos and stories and suggestions till the day comes that I can resume my journeys.

 

It doesn't make me sad. It is actually a comfort as the specialist's advice helps me focus on enjoying 'the now' making different types of memories with my DH.

 

Bon Voyage,

-Melisa 

Melisa @HAL Sailer.

Paulines late mam had a number of health issues but with her wheelchair we got her on 6 cruises with us in her mid 80s and her last being on her 90th birthday.

Never give up and cruise if you possibly can.

Best wishes.

Graham.

 

[grapau27]

11 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Yesterday, DH had an appointment with a new doctor, for a second opinion about his spinal stenosis and sciatica.  Tuesday, we found out the results of a head CAT scan ordered last week by our PCP in time for yesterday’s visit.  It turns out DH also has normal pressure hydrocephalus, which can occur as we get older.  Fortunately, both the back and head problems can be fixed with a surgical procedure.

 

However, the process to fix them will be on going and will take many months.  The fixes shouldn't take too long, but first you have to jump through all the hoops before Medicare will agree to pay for the next step.

 

DH was very impressed with the new doctor, who answered all our questions and did not hem and haw on the answers.  He started the first step to fix the back problem and referred DH to a neurosurgeon in Dallas to work on the head problem, which will most likely be a shunt to drain the excess fluid from his brain.  We were impressed when he said in the end both problems could be fixed, but he added that since they had gone on so long, he did not think the results would get DH back to where he had been previously, but would show a big improvement.  It was nice to have a doctor no promise what he might not be able to deliver.  He also wants DH to continue the physical therapy.

 

We agreed that the first course of action would be to handle the fluid  on the brain as it is making DH lightheaded and not feeling all that well.

 

It looks like we’ll be in Texas for longer than expected, but it also looks like we will be able to enjoy more time in Quartzsite and on BHBs in the future.

 

@rafinmd  Roy, since this is a long term, ongoing situation, DH does not need to be on the care list.  I don't intend to make updates unless it is something major.

 

@Cruising-along  Thank you for your pictures from Corner Brook. I want to go there even more now.

@JazzyV  Vanessa, it looks like the Benadryl is keeping the reaction to the injection under control.

@HAL Sailer  Melisa, your are the picture of grace under pressure.  Your attitude is an example to all of us.

@Seasick Sailor  Enjoy your visit with your sister.

@grapau27  Graham, I'm very happy the shot has made use a difference.  They can hold off the need for surgery for quite a while.

@rafinmd  Roy, safe travels home tomorrow.

 

Lenda

Thank you for your good wishes Lenda.

Prayers 🙏 for your husband to have successful surgery and for his health to improve dramatically.

Take care.

Graham.