The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday July 13th, 2022

[grapau27]

11 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  Another cloudy morning with some spritzes of raindrops on the windows as I walked on the treadmill.  I actually had a much more comfortable night last night.  Hoping that trend continues.  🤞  Thanks to Rich @richwmnfor our Fleet Report and Daily!  Odd assortment of days but I can deal with it.  I do admire the harmonizing of a Barbershop Quartet group.  I don't mind a little geekiness in people as that trait can be very helpful.  Not sure how to celebrate Fool's Paradise Day.🤪  I had no idea what the sorbetes was but wouldn't mind giving it a try.  Monte Carlo is a beautiful and very expensive place to visit.  We were there a few years back and I have photos I posted on March 16, 2021 to show again.

 

Thanks to Roy @rafinmdfor the C & C lists for the day.  We all continue to pray for those listed on the Care list as well as our many friends and family with Covid.  Cheers for all celebrating cruises and family vacations.  Speaking of that, DD says she is going to take a home test today (hoping for negative but probably too soon) and if positive she will turn that into her trip insurance company for a refund of her Pigeon Forge vacation.  They were planning on going tomorrow for 4 nights and luckily bought the trip insurance.  No one in the family wants to go without her so she can get reimbursed if her test is positive.  Wouldn't it be great if it was negative though and everyone could have one last fling before school starts in a few weeks?

 

Debbie @dfishI hope you and your sis and friend have a marvelous cruise, safe travels and NO Covid!!  Jacqui @kazulove the flower photos.  Keep them coming!

 

 

I can't believe I've only been to Monaco once!  It was on the Westerday in August 2017.  And as usual it was a warm summer day.  My DH was trying to take it very easy during this 21 day cruise because he had been in the ER for a painful issue immediately before our trip.  So I found quite a few inexpensive ship tours to take in all these beautiful ports since I would be going out alone.  I was anxious to see some of the countryside surrounding these Mediterranean ports.

 

We had to tender over to shore, but I thought this photo from the ship turned out pretty well considering I had to zoom way in.

 

The two stops on my tour were Menton and Eze.  We headed towards the French-Italian border on a narrow 2 lane road.  There was a slight delay because of a car accident with a small car lying on its side.  I had a hard time getting any decent pictures because the bus windows were pretty dirty.  But once we got off the bus, it was fine.  There was only one problem tour group member - an 85 year old lady wearing high heels and ripped jeans who kept clinging to all the gentlemen's arms as she begged for help with the cobblestone pathways.  Oh my goodness...

 

Here is the beach as we got off the bus.

 

First we had a nice visit in the local market.  Then some of the beautiful buildings and churches in the village.

 

 

 

Going back to the bus, the beaches were filling up.  

 

We headed along the beaches and then a little inland to Eze, a medieval village on a hilltop.  It was amazing!

 

It was quite a workout walking up and down the narrow passages on the hillside but well worth it.

 

 

 

 

A church with quite a view.

 

And that same church seen from the bus as we left.  

 

After returning to the ship, DH and I spent the afternoon in the Crow's Nest enjoying the view of Monte Carlo.

 

Good times!

Excellent photos Sandi.

You were lucky to tender at Monaco itself.

We have always been on huge Royal Caribbean ships and tendered in Villefrance.

Our tour to Monaco also included the lovely village of Eze.

We went into the casino but had to leave our camcorder with their reception as photos were not allowed.

Edited July 13, 2022 by grapau27

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily fleet report.  Today’s meal suggestion sounds good.  On the Zaandam they had a very good coconut ice cream, DH made that a regular stop.  Back to work.  I hope everyone has a good day.
It was nice to be able to sleep in a bit while on the Zaandam.  This morning Mona was pawing and purring into my ear at 3am.

[grapau27]

25 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Thank you for the Hump Day report Rich.  I love Barbershop Music, enjoy my inner Geek but think I'll pass on Fool's Paradise.  Love the Gandhi quote but have never been to Monte Carlo.   I never heard of Sorbates but it sounds very nice.  My alternative is Cantaloupe boat, Chilled Blueberry Soup, and Quail with Apricot Bread Stuffing as served on MS Rotterdam VI July 13, 2011.  I am not sure what I had for desert that day but Sorbates sounds like a good choice.

 

Today’s care list:

RIP Nora Brown of Howick QC, 7/11/22
HAL Sailer DB with severe covid
Sarah with covid
Camila and mom with covid
Buddy final days in Hospice
Heartgrove brother discharged but prognosis still uncertain
From the rotation:
HAL Sailer DH Nephew Curt undergoing rehab after serious mowing accident
Cruising-along niece awaiting a kidney
Bennybear DH with melanoma
Strength and healing for Kazu

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Welcome aboard Dr. Dobro
Seasick Sailer in Hawaii
smitty34877 on Cape Cod
Cruisin Single with sister to 7/28
Volendam caring for refugees
4 days for dfish (Rotterdam 7/17 to 7/31) and Gail&Marty (10/15)
3 days for Vict0riann  (Nieuw Statendam (7/16 to 8/9)
ski ww (Oosterdam to July 16).  dobiemom (Rotterdam to 7/17), RWSBADGER (Noordam to 7/17), and  luvteaching (Westerdam to 7/17) and Cat in My Lap (Zaandam to 8/13)  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 and for Sarah's mention.

Graham.

[ottahand7]

Thanks for the Daily Reports!   It is always great to see where BHBs are each day and the food, drinks and port photos.  I look forward to being able to read everyone's daily activities when I am back home and have internet at my desk not in the truck.  

 

Today is housekeeping and laundry.  It is a gorgeous day with 56 degrees now and up to around 72 for today.  Have a wonderful day.  Prayers for those on the care list and for the people of Ukraine.  🙏

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  Not a fan of barbershop music, I sometimes need to embrace my geekiness when DH has trouble with the computer, and not sure about the Fool's Paradise.  

 

It's a beautiful day out there this morning, so we're enjoying the cool clean air and a bit of a breeze while sipping our morning tea on the deck.  Temps are expected to soar (soaring for us means normal for the rest of you), so we'll be closing up the house within an hour or two so it doesn't get too hot throughout the day.  To me it feels like the summers I remember as a child, hot days, cool nights, and lots of sunshine.  

 

@smitty34877I'm happy to hear you're enjoying your time at Cape Cod, but SHARKS?  O M G.

@dfishyour travel time is almost here; how exciting!

 

Not a lot happening in our house today, so I think I'll make a couple of cloth grocery bags, as some of the plastic ones are starting to wear in the corners.  I'd hate to lose a load of groceries because the corner gives out!  I found a table runner at a store the other day that I thought might make a good one - will have to try it and see.  I'm not a good sewist, just a brave one.  LOL

 

Ice cream for dinner!  Heck yeah!  It's too hot to even cook on the deck, so the air fryer will be moved down onto the patio and will be cooking up some salmon .  While that's cooking, I'll have DH grilling some garlic/parmesan asparagus for a nice light dinner for us on a hot summer's night.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them and even for those who don't think they do.  Extra for the people of Ukraine and all who are assisting them.  We'll clink the glasses together to salute all on the celebration list.  Get your boosters, stay safe, wear masks when you need to and be well.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

 

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing and caring 😀.

 

Happy Hump Day.

 

 

Prayers and hope for many.

[Himself]

Thanks for the fleet update

[kb4683]

Good Morning, Dailyite Family --

 

It's gonna be another scorcher here in Central Florida 😓.  Cheers to those on the celebratory list 🥂 and hugs to those on the care list 🤗.

 

We were in Monaco on 4/12/15 during a segment of Pacific Princess World Cruise from Civitavecchia to Fort Lauderdale.  We docked in Nice and took a ship tour that gave us quite a bit of free time at all the stops.

 

This is the final resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace (Kelly) in the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate.  Also a portrait of their wedding day.

 

 

We then walked up to the Prince's Palace,  

 

 

had some time to kill 🍻,

then saw the changing of the guard.  

Statue of Franchesco Grimaldi who captured Monaco in 1297 and established the royal dynasty who rules to this day.

@marshhawk they were setting up for the Grand Prix when we were there!

 

 

Next they took us out to the casino for some more free time.  We did not go inside.

Some very expensive vehicles parked in front

 

 

And our very expensive beers (1 large, 1 small) 😱  at least they threw in the snacks!

Remember, this is Euros in 2015.

 

Have a great day, everyone!

 

Kay

 

 --

 

 

 

Edited July 13, 2022 by kb4683

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from one of the parking garages of my local mall where I took my morning walk very early today:

 

 

Roy

[durangoscots]

Good morning. Cooler here today. So far the showers seem to be missing us. I have the sprinklers turned back on. I am a bit stiff and have a spectacular black eye, but otherwise am none the worse for wear after the fall. My nose is returning to normal size. Need to get my eyes tested before new glasses can be issued. That will take place on Monday. Fortunately I do have another pair of driving glasses.  The fall has sort of shaken my confidence. Need to do some self evaluation before moving forward with any cruise or other travel plans. I have to say one thing about my ER visit.... usually I go to Mercy Hospital (Centura) but there is a smaller hospital closer to me with an ER but limited facilities. Anyway, I went to that ER and was quickly processed ( average wait at Mercy is 4 hours- here I was seen immediately) and they have called me at home twice now to see if I am ok and if I feel I need any further care. Impressive.   

 

Have not been to today's destination. I used to sing with a group of "Lady Barbershoppers". We had a lot of fun. Have not been to a regular barbershop singalong for several years. 

 

Off to the bank and then begin working on some "office" type things including looking at medical alert systems.

 

Susan

 

 

 

 

 

[Overhead Fred]

We stopped in Monaco in April of 2018 while on the Koningsdam. We did a nice walking tour that went through a beautiful garden. If /when we get back there, I plan on checking out the aquarium and seeing how my restaurant is doing.... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

It will be another pleasant, warm day here today (70's F).  Interesting collection of days...I'll pass on the meal and drink, but would love to try the Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend.  It sounds perfect to me.  We've been to Monte Carlo once, we walked around a bit and DIY to Nice and Eze.  My photos would be too much like those already posted, so won't look for them now.  It was a really nice day! I especially loved Eze.

 

Today will be spent recuperating and getting the house put back together after the grandsons' overnight visit.  😉  I also need to do something about my Boxwood that may have Boxwood Blight -- I've had it probably at least 25 years with no problems, but now leaves are turning white/tan. 😞  At least it's small so not hard to remove.  

 

After getting a first estimate of $1000+ to replace that skylight, the second estimate was much more reasonable.  Their minimum labor cost is $200 compared to the $600 of the first company.  So it looks like that skylight will be replaced soon.

 

This photo is for Gerry @ger_77who reminded me about the bubbles. 🙂  The kids played ALL afternoon with my neighbor's granddaughter -- bubbles, squirt guns, water balloons, running through the sprinkler, and snacks and cookies.  Fun was had by all!

 

 

 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from central Texas.  I'm going to stop the weather report since it is the same everyday.

 

Another interesting collection of days to celebrate.  Like Sandi, @StLouisCruisers, I like the harmonizing of a barber shop quartet, but in small doses.  I try not to live in a fool's paradise, and definitely not right now.  I'm not much of a geek, but do appreciate them to handle the technical issues.

 

The Mahatma Gandhi quote is very true.

 

While the sorbetes look and sound good, I'll pass today.  Tonight will be an easy and lighter meal than yesterday.  We'll be having hamburgers cooked in the George Foreman and French fires cooked in the air fryer.  We'll pass on the drink and the wine.

 

@smitty34877  Terry, I'm glad you are enjoying your relaxing time on Cape Cod.

@grapau27  Graham, I'm glad that Sarah is feeling better, and hope she is over this horrible virus soon and with no lasting effects.

@dfish  Debbie, safe travels tomorrow.

@cat shepard  Ann, another great meme today.

@Vict0riann  Ann, sending positive thoughts for a negative test for both of you.  Also, sending positive thoughts for an easy time at Heathrow and for safe and on time flights.

@kazu  Jacqui, I'm really enjoying your flowers.  It's too hot and dry here this year for any flowers.  All my plants, what few I have, are drought tolerant.

@durangoscots  Susan, that is impressive the ER saw you quickly and has called twice.  

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, that's a cute picture of the kids.  Glad you found someone with a lower estimate.

 

We have been to Monte Carlo eight times, and all but one were on BHBs.  Our first time there was in 2001 on Golden Princess' inaugural TA.  In 2002 and 2004 on Noordam III we made three stops there.  We were also in MC in 2008 on Prinsendam and three stops in 2019 on Veendam.  Many times, we took the train to Cannes or Nice, and once to Genoa.  In 2019, we stayed in Monte Carlo, taking the city bus the first time and the Ho-Ho the second.  By the third stope there, we just stayed on the ship and relaxed.  

 

There is a "new" dock in Monte Carlo that can accommodate one small ship.  In 2019, we docked there twice and Oceania was there one time.  Before that, we always tendered in Monaco, with the exception of the time in 2004 Captain John Scott moved the Noordam to Ville France during the day because the seas were too rough.  Imagine our surprise and the train from Genoa rounded a curve and we could see the harbor but no ship.  They had a bus to take us to the Ville France.

 

These pictures are a compilation from all our visits to Monte Carlo.

 

The casino from the ship and the front of the casino looking across the circle in front of it.  In 2001, there was a fountain in the circle.

 

 

Near the fountain and behind me when I took this picture, there is a nice, tranquil park.  I didn't discover the park until 2019.

 

 

There were several topiaries with metal additions like this one.

 

A local enjoying the park.

 

A view of the harbor outside the train station which is in the upper part of Monte Carlo

 

The Palace

 

 

Another building near the Palace

 

In 2019, we got a free ride on this self driving vehicle, which was a work in progress with a lot of jerky starts and stops.  There was someone with an tablet who control the vehicle, which seemed to be most of the time.

 

 

Preparations for the 2004 Grand Prix

 

 

A statue honoring the drivers in the Grand Prix

 

The new pier viewed from the Veendam.

 

My version of the fleet report with former BHBs.  Veendam at the pier in 2019 and at anchor in 2019

 

 

Finally, the Prinsendam at anchor in 2008

 

Lenda

 

Edited July 13, 2022 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[bennybear]

Good morning  and thanks all.   Nice to see so many dailyites enjoying the beach!   We’ve been to Monaco twice, once by ship and once by train.   Thanks for the photos Sandi and Kay. And Lenda! 
@kb4683oh my goodness, the prices of that beer, must be for those who can afford the Ferrari’s.    It can be a different world,   We once got invited to a yacht party just over the border on the Italian Riviera,   thought we’d fallen down the rabbit hole.  JFK’s yacht was there.  
@dfish thanks so much for all the things I learn,  what an interesting ice cream. 
@cat shepard that wine sounds lovely.

finally summer.  
Some photos from the regatta in Imperia, Italy. 

Edited July 13, 2022 by bennybear

[irishjim]

3 hours ago, seagarsmoker said:

Have a wonderful cruise! 

+1

[irishjim]

3 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you Terry @smitty34877.

Our Sarah just WhatsApp to say she is a lot better.

We had a lovely picnic lunch at the beach.

Graham.

Wonderful news  from  Sarah.

[marshhawk]

Good Morning Dailyites!!  Happy Hump Day.  DH and I both got up as we had all the best intentions of walking.  My head hurt, my body hurt, coughing (but that's normal) runny nose (that's normal) but over all I felt awful.  DH's campaign ended last night, so he has been trying to hook up with someone to be added to a list of employees looking for work.  So much for a walk.

 

And the neighbor stayed home today, so no dog walking.  All these opportunities to sleep nap rest, and I  had signed up to work for the "other" campaign. Ha!

 

 

 

 

Last night we heard something on the car port, looked out and there was a momma raccoon and a baby.  The baby was by the open porch door, and when I opened the back door, instead of running off, the baby ran onto the porch.  Mom ran off.  Baby was climbing the screen and whimpering in that cute raccoon way for his mom, but she did not come back.  I ended up opening the porch door all the way, put the cat food in the door way, and finally the little bugger went to the food.  He finally ran out.  Meanwhile Fawn cat watched the whole thing from her chair.  What a cat!

 

 

 

 

 

I wish I was more of a geek, and less of a left over hippy freak, but either way, I'm more of a nerd.  

My past bosses will tell you that I am electronically challenged,  computers fear me, watches with metal backs will stop or advance on their own. 

 

Dad drove through Monaco on our way to have our Visa's stamped in Italy.  We went to Eze (I have no memory of it, but Mom cursed the stairs for years after), we had spaghetti in Italy, and then drove back to our hotel in Villefrance. Wish my memory was better, but in reality, I a so scared of heights that I often rode on the floor in the back of the car, when the drives were on heights above something.  

Edited July 13, 2022 by marshhawk

[StLouisCruisers]

DD did her drive thru Covid testing this morning at Walgreen's and no surprise - she is still positive.  She's been keeping busy this morning downloading paperwork to her Pigeon Forge travel insurance company and hopefully will be reimbursed soon.   Good thing school doesn't start for the teachers in her district for 4 more weeks. 📚 

 

 

[Cruising-along]

25 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

watches with metal backs will stop or advance on their own. 

I have the same problem and haven't worn a watch in decades because of it.  Someone suggested wearing a timepiece on a chain around my neck, even that doesn't work.  

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, kb4683 said:

Good Morning, Dailyite Family --

 

It's gonna be another scorcher here in Central Florida 😓.  Cheers to those on the celebratory list 🥂 and hugs to those on the care list 🤗.

 

We were in Monaco on 4/12/15 during a segment of Pacific Princess World Cruise from Civitavecchia to Fort Lauderdale.  We docked in Nice and took a ship tour that gave us quite a bit of free time at all the stops.

 

This is the final resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace (Kelly) in the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate.  Also a portrait of their wedding day.

 

 

We then walked up to the Prince's Palace,  

 

 

had some time to kill 🍻,

then saw the changing of the guard.  

Statue of Franchesco Grimaldi who captured Monaco in 1297 and established the royal dynasty who rules to this day.

@marshhawk they were setting up for the Grand Prix when we were there!

 

 

Next they took us out to the casino for some more free time.  We did not go inside.

Some very expensive vehicles parked in front

 

 

And our very expensive beers (1 large, 1 small) 😱  at least they threw in the snacks!

Remember, this is Euros in 2015.

 

Have a great day, everyone!

 

Kay

 

 --

 

 

 

Excellent photos Kay.

I videoed all the sights you photoed and your photos bring back fantastic memories for us as Pauline's late mam and dad were with us on our Monaco tour.

Graham 

 

[grapau27]

39 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

DD did her drive thru Covid testing this morning at Walgreen's and no surprise - she is still positive.  She's been keeping busy this morning downloading paperwork to her Pigeon Forge travel insurance company and hopefully will be reimbursed soon.   Good thing school doesn't start for the teachers in her district for 4 more weeks. 📚 

 

 

I'm so sorry for your dear daughter Sandi.

Hopefully her insurance will reimburse her.

I hope she makes a complete recovery and is ready fora return to her teaching job in 4 weeks time.

Prayers for your leg pain to disappear quickly.

Graham.

[puppycanducruise]

@grapau27Glad to hear Sarah is feeling better.

[Horizon chaser 1957]

Good morning, all! I enjoy barbershop quartets. Desert for a meal always goes over well with me. I’ve always wanted to go to Monico, a holdover from watching Formula One races. Thank you to all who posted pictures. 
Yesterday we went to a friends for dinner, and stayed late talking on the deck in perfect weather. I have no idea what to make tonight, but I guess it will have to be more than ice cream. Today I’m printing a shirt for DH to wear on safari in November. It’s currently white, which is not a recommended colour for game drives. Toning it down to the olive/khaki range is the hope. I looked at my Etsy site after @bennybear mentioning it. The name is Leisure Thyme Botanicals. I haven’t restocked since I put it in holiday mode for going to Alaska, and it needs some work! And of course my Etsy stock is in Chilliwack now. 
My concerns for all our Dailyite’s who have Covid strike their family, it seems to be spreading rapidly right now! @durangoscots Susan, that’s terrible about your fall, but excellent that you found an ER with such fast service and concerned follow up! @kazu take care of that toe, and it’s good news that you’re going ahead with giving Shadow a loving home. @ger_77 good luck with that heat! DD in Colonsay has a heat warning for the next few days. Luckily she works nights when it’s cooler (less hot?).

Happy Wednesday, everyone. It would definitely be nice and cool on the pros made of a BHB!

[Horizon chaser 1957]

55 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

My past bosses will tell you that I am electronically challenged,  computers fear me, watches with metal backs will stop or advance on their own. 

 

 

27 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

I have the same problem and haven't worn a watch in decades because of it.  Someone suggested wearing a timepiece on a chain around my neck, even that doesn't work.  

In my early 20s I worked in as a research technician at a university . There was a special electronic scale in its own room for precision weighing of minuscule samples. My physical proximity drove it haywire. The lab supervisor was furious when he found out that I always got someone else to weigh my samples, if they needed that scale. He demanded to know why I couldn’t work it myself.

I asked him to put something on the scale while I stood in the doorway. As I advanced across the room with my hands out, the digital readout on the scale climbed. As I backed away, it dropped again. From then on, he let me hand off working the electronic scale to others.
He  never really believed I wasn’t just pulling a fast one somehow, and made sure to make life difficult whenever I had to work in his part of the building.

[Cruising-along]

10 minutes ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

 

In my early 20s I worked in as a research technician at a university . There was a special electronic scale in its own room for precision weighing of minuscule samples. My physical proximity drove it haywire. The lab supervisor was furious when he found out that I always got someone else to weigh my samples, if they needed that scale. He demanded to know why I couldn’t work it myself.

I asked him to put something on the scale while I stood in the doorway. As I advanced across the room with my hands out, the digital readout on the scale climbed. As I backed away, it dropped again. From then on, he let me hand off working the electronic scale to others.
He  never really believed I wasn’t just pulling a fast one somehow, and made sure to make life difficult whenever I had to work in his part of the building.

Wow, that's fascinating.  Wish I knew why some of us have this "quality" lol!