The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday August 11th, 2023

[Nickelpenny]

Good Morning to All!  Friday is finally here!!  Thanks for the daily and fleet report.  I won't touch with a 10 ft pole presidential jokes, I only have daughters and I would love to play in the sand but, alas, AZ only has sand dunes near CA and I would rather have a beach.  I love the quote, though the meal sounds lovely (and spicy!!), I think I will pass.  Pass on the drink and wine and have never been to South Africa.

 

Had a wonderful day yesterday.  A couple of hiccups but I think overall it went fine.  I posted a more concise wrap-up on Thurs report.  I go back today.  Then not for awhile (maybe a week or so) until my next assignment.  I had toyed with the idea of doing younger kids but I don't think so now.  Having the same group for all day?  Hmmmm, no, I don't think so.  But I will never say never.

 

Thoughts for those on the care list and cheers to those sailing and celebrating.

Have a great Friday everyone!!

[kazu]

10 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

@kazu I have looked at Daniel Madeira Taxi but cannot figure out which tour is the right one to take.  Do you you have any suggestions?  Any help would be appreciated.

 

Terri - in all honesty all of his tours are good.  I’ve done nearly them all and they all have special moments.  Daniel knows his island like the back of his hand.  

 

If you want a shorter tour, I’d either do the Nun’s Valley or the Highlights Tour (#1 or #3)

 

We’ve always done the full day tours as the time flies by and you see more.  They are all good.  You might want to google a few of the stops so you can get an idea of a preference but for a first time visit - I would consider the East Tour #6 or #7 - Santana (if the Santana houses are of interest).  Just because of a couple of the stops.  The others are equally good, honestly.  

 

But honestly they are all great.  If you email them, Eusebia can recommend a tour too.  Just tell her you’d like to book and unsure which one to choose and if she can recommend.  I haven’t been on a tour yet where anyone in my groups complained.  They were all enthralled.  (I have on several occasions had all his vans with our roll call).  IF you are forming a group on your roll call - stick to 6 in the van.  It’s more comfortable and there is no significant savings going to 7 (maybe 1 euro pp).  Eusebia will also advise the same.

[1ANGELCAT]

Good sunny and humid morning. It’s currently 70 with 89% humidity, but it is supposed to drop later today and be stormy tomorrow afternoon.

Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

[Cruzin Terri]

1 minute ago, kazu said:

 

Terri - in all honesty all of his tours are good.  I’ve done nearly them all and they all have special moments.  Daniel knows his island like the back of his hand.  

 

If you want a shorter tour, I’d either do the Nun’s Valley or the Highlights Tour (#1 or #3)

 

We’ve always done the full day tours as the time flies by and you see more.  They are all good.  You might want to google a few of the stops so you can get an idea of a preference but for a first time visit - I would consider the East Tour #6 or #7 - Santana (if the Santana houses are of interest).  Just because of a couple of the stops.  The others are equally good, honestly.  

 

But honestly they are all great.  If you email them, Eusebia can recommend a tour too.  Just tell her you’d like to book and unsure which one to choose and if she can recommend.  I haven’t been on a tour yet where anyone in my groups complained.  They were all enthralled.  (I have on several occasions had all his vans with our roll call).  IF you are forming a group on your roll call - stick to 6 in the van.  It’s more comfortable and there is no significant savings going to 7 (maybe 1 euro pp).  Eusebia will also advise the same.

Jackie, we are there from 7 am to 4 pm so i don’t think the 7 hour tour is feasible unless we start at 8 am.  It will just be Jim and me.  There is no action on the roll call due to Oceania’s new shore excursion program.  We booked before it started.  Just thinking the 5 hour tours would be better.  We will probably go with the Highlights.  I might ask if they would start at 8 am and do one of the 7 hour tours.

Thanks for your advice.

Terri

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from sunny central Texas where it is 82F and feels like 88F.  Our humidity is on the rise again, but it does not mean we'll get rain.  The humidity is 76% with a dew point of 73F, and there is a 10mph wind.  We are looking at a high of 106F this afternoon.

 

I just checked and the part for the car is at the Post Office, so it should be here about 9:30 this morning.  When I finish this, I'm going to get everything removed from the engine so it will be ready to remove the old part and install the new part.  Fingers crossed that this will solve the engine missing problem.  

 

Presidential Joke Day will not be mentioned further.  We will celebrate our two DDs, but we won't go down to the Corps of Engineers park and play in the sand.  It's too hot.

 

The Cary Grant quote describes our days the past three years.

 

We'll pass on the meal even though we live on the "best" bass fishing lake in Texas, and most of our bass are largemouth bass.  We'll also pass on the drink and the wine.

 

We have not been to Port Elizabeth; so I do not have any pictures to share.

 

Sadly, the peace treaty between France and the Communist Viet Minh did not end the fighting in that part of the world.

 

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  This morning we are anchored outside Djupivogur, Iceland and it is quite overcast.  You might even want to call it foggy.  I’m hoping for a miracle with the sun burning off the fog, and no rain occurs.  We are waiting a bit to see what happens, but all aboard is 2:30 so we can’t wait too long.  We were awakened at 6 am by preparations being made for the tender operation and tender lowering.  No wonder we take naps most afternoons!💤

 

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Daily and Fleet Report.  We have a common sense quote from Cary Grant.  I am happy to celebrate my Son and Daughter any day of the year.  I can’t comment on Presidential Joke day or I might get in trouble!  I doubt there’s any sand to play in here in Djupivogur – probably rocks.  Thanks to Tina @0106, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their food and beverage reports today.  I’ll pass on the black bass, tequila and red wine.

 

 

 

Prayers for all on the Care list this morning.  So glad to hear Chuck @catmando is feeling fine after his treatment.  Good luck Annie @marshhawk getting all that water into him each day!  Hoping Sam is in and out of that rehab facility lickety-split.  My thoughts are with Baby Murphy and her family and hoping all is progressing well this week.  A salute to all on the Celebration list especially cruisers, birthdays and anniversaries.🚢  Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for your list keeping!🥂

 

 

 

Good news from FC Dallas.  The 17 and 18 year old boys have been invited to a major tournament Aug. 17-26 in Mexico City! ⚽  In the short time Ren’s been there in Dallas he has proven himself worthy of a spot to go to that tournament with the team.  And he’s only 16 so that’s an honor in my book.  No time to acclimate to the extreme elevation.  They will have 9 games in 7 days!  DS will go with him the first three days, then DDIL will join him there since DS does have a job to do in Michigan. DDIL has been staying with older DGS and taking him to UCLA orientation this past week. Time to switch parents next week.  We have been emailed links to watch some of the action in Mexico but we will be on the ship for most of those dates.  Hope we can follow along as best we can!

 

 

 

Port today is Port Elizabeth, South Africa which was our port on April 24, 2021.  I have not been before so no photos from me.  Here is a link to that date for you to re-capture your photos.

 

 

 

 

Hoping everyone has a wonderful Friday and great start to their weekend.

 

 

Sandi, what an honor for Ren to be included in the group going to the tournament in Mexico City.

 

1 hour ago, Crazy For Cats said:

Good Morning,  thanks for today's daily fleet report. Mona served as our alarm clock and we were up at 4:30. About half way through CT on our way to Norristown, PA.  I'll pass on today's meal suggestion since I think we are going to a diner.

Yesterday I had my teeth cleaning.  During the cleaning my crown popped off. After an extra half hour in the chair it was cemented in place. 

I hope everyone has a good day today. 

 

Jake, what are the odds of the crown falling off in the dentist office?  DH carries dental cement with him when we travel.  He's used in once or twice, and gave some to a fellow cruiser when she lost her crown.  Safe travels today.

 

33 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! I can picture you at your computer, rubbing your hands together when you selected the first day.
 

It is a lovely morning here. Yesterday’s strong breeze made my Bindi walks bearable. She knows our mail carrier’s schedule so well, she insists we go out at the worst of the day - just to get treats. I actually feel badly for her when our regular carrier is on vacation. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for helping all of us keep up with each other. Gym, chores, Bindi walks, a visit with my neighbors across the street who are moving next week & pool time. My neighbor’s house was on the market for just two hours before getting a cash offer. The sign had just been put up in their yard. We were all stunned. Them most of all. 
 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @StLouisCruisers I agree it is an honor for Ren! But a well deserved one!

Get well & stay well everyone. 

 

***********

Monte da Ravasqueira - Vinha Da Coutada Velha Red Blend 2020

I need to look for this Portuguese red blend it sounds interesting, has great reviews & a price that makes it easy to try. Available from quite a few online distributors with prices starting at $9.90. Cheaper than many glasses of wine when enjoying one in a bar or restaurant. 

Winemaker

"Shiny garnet color. Complex nose with notes of spices, mix of black and red fruits and hints of mocha and chocolate. Elegant and remarkably fresh, fine finish, harmonious and complex." 

92 Wine Enthusiast 

"A well-structured young wine, this exhibits enthusiastic black fruits and fine tannins. This wine needs to age, so wait until 2023."

 

Ann, that must have been one of the fastest house sales on record.

 

24 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good morning to all.  Sorry i never got here yesterday.  

Thank you to Rich for the Fleet and Daily Report.  Thank you to Vanessa and Tina and Dixie and Ann for your contributions to keep this thread going.

Prayers for Baby Murphy and Sam and hopefully we will hear some good news today.

Prayers also for @smitty34877’s DH and @marshhawk;s DH as they continue with their treatments.

Prayers for everyone on the cares list.

 

I will pass on the meal.  I cannot eat anything that spicy.  I will pay for that for many days.

As for the days,  I don’t have either a son or daughter, but i hope those that do, celebrate them today.  I will not be playing in the sand today, although I do not live far from the beach.  I will stay away from Presidential jokes so that I don’t get in trouble.

I like the Cary Grant quote.

 

I will pass on the drink and the wine.

 

As for yesterday, we passed the termite inspection, even the area of concern.  The problem is what is the area of concern.  There is a door frame in the interior of the house where there is some debris.

They are pretty sure it is not termites, but not sure what it is.  He put some foam in there to kill whatever may be in there.  Now I have to deal with the contractor to get the floors redone in some places where they are buckled.  I called yesterday but no answer.  

I am so tired of dealing with all this $%^^& with this house.  It just seems to be one thing after another.

 

We have decided that we are going to Italy in October and then the Transatlantic back to Miami.

DH wants to go and we have decided to take things slowly. I think we will be all right.

 

@kazu I have looked at Daniel Madeira Taxi but cannot figure out which tour is the right one to take.  Do you you have any suggestions?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

 

We are going to make a Costco run today to Pooler, Georgia.  

 

Hope everyone has a great day.

God Bless,

Terri

 

Terri, I'm glad you decided to go ahead with the November trip.  Cruising lets you do as much or as little as you like.  I'm gland the problem is not termites, but hope it has been solved.  I hope you can get the floors replaced soon.

 

17 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

Good Friday  Morning Dailyites!  Yes, the alarm went off, and then I heard the thunder and the rain. I love to sleep to the sound of rain, but this week, while it's been raining, we have been getting up early for appointments.  MY PT Ashley even thanked me for showing up yesterday because it was so stormy.  I told her I wont get better if I dont show up.

 

I started calling for my new campaign yesterday, No bites. 5 hours of trying to sell full price tickets to people who found out how to get 20 dollar tickets...and there are no savings to actually buying the whole package, vs. single tickets....none.

 

Most of you know that DH and I feed a lot of stray cats.  After Fawn disappeared, Bubble and Uggles and a rather timid cat(we call Slinky) were still coming in to the carport to get fed.  Three nights ago Bubbles and Uggles disappeared.  I think that Slinky might still be around, but the food from the mornings was still there at night.  So prayers for the fur babies.  What could be taking them?

 

 

 

 

 

Annie, I hope the cats just moved on to a newer location, but why would they leave a ready food supply.  I also hope @catmando  is still feeling good today.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

[MrSnuffleupagus]

Thank you for the fleet report.

[smitty34877]

I am in the ER with Lou.He was taken by ambulance early this morning.He was slurring his speech and not able to move.I will let you know how things are once he is stabilized.

[1ANGELCAT]

@smitty34877🙏🙏❤️

[kazu]

9 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

I am in the ER with Lou.He was taken by ambulance early this morning.He was slurring his speech and not able to move.I will let you know how things are once he is stabilized.

 

OH NO!  I am so sorry.  More prayers for him and you winging your way 🙏 

[aliaschief]

@smitty34877 thoughts, concerns and prayers.

[ottahand7]

@smitty34877 praying for Lou. 🙏🙏

[ocean sounds]

@smitty34877, lots of hugs and prayers to you both.  

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Hope and prayers for many.

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  I'll pass on the presidential jokes, but will happily celebrate Son & Daughter day.  I messaged our DS, wishing him a happy Friday already.  I'd like to play in the sand, but right now it would be all wet, as it seems to have rained lightly all night long.

 

The skies are grey, I can hear rain gently falling and there's a slight breeze, so it looks like we'll be having an indoor day today.  The rain began late yesterday afternoon and could continue for a number of hours; hopefully it will also rain on the fires in our province.  Speaking of fires, my heart breaks for the people of Lahaina and all over Hawaii who are dealing with the devastating fires there.

 

DH had his angiogram yesterday and it went well - thanks to all for your care and concern.  The doctor said the grafts from his sextuple bypass in 1998 are still holding nicely and although some of the minor vessels are showing calcification, he said they were not anything to worry about.  He understood about getting the pacemaker though, as DH's heart is not pumping fast enough.  Now we just have to wait for the phone call telling us when he'll be scheduled for pacemaker implantation.

 

@smitty34877oh my goodness, how distressing to hear; sending love and prayers to both you and Lou.

@marshhawkif DH likes flavoured water, that might help getting him to drink as much as he needs.

@Seasick Sailoryesterday you mentioned terrible leg cramps at night - have you tried Gatorade?  DH started drinking a bottle of Gatorade daily and finds he rarely gets leg cramps; electrolyte imbalance is a major cause of cramps.

 

I would like to try the drink of the day, as I love sparkling grapefruit water or soda, and like the fact that this is the year we should drink the wine!  I've never been a huge fan of whole fish, although I've had some over the years, but DH just takes a hard pass whenever it's on a menu.  It's Friday night pizza night at our house, so I'll head out to a little pizza place not far from here and get a couple of personal pan size pizzas for us to enjoy on the deck tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

[rafinmd]

So sorry @smitty34877 to hear of Lou's latest setback.

 

Roy

[cat shepard]

48 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

I am in the ER with Lou.He was taken by ambulance early this morning.He was slurring his speech and not able to move.I will let you know how things are once he is stabilized.

 

Praying, Terry! Lou - sending healing thoughts. 

[Cruzin Terri]

49 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

I am in the ER with Lou.He was taken by ambulance early this morning.He was slurring his speech and not able to move.I will let you know how things are once he is stabilized.

I am so sorry to hear this.  Prayers for Lou and for you and your whole family.

Stay strong.

Terri

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

57 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

I am in the ER with Lou.He was taken by ambulance early this morning.He was slurring his speech and not able to move.I will let you know how things are once he is stabilized.

 

Terry, I'm so sorry about this latest development with Lou.  I hope he is stablized soon.  Sending positve thoughts your way.

 

Lenda

[GTVCRUISER]

Play in the Sand Day 🙂 

[cruising sister]

@smitty34877  prayers are coming your way. How distressing. You have been such a wonderful care giver. I still have no news on Murphy. I am afraid to ask. Today is DGS first day of kindergarten. I have DGD today as she starts a new preschool on Monday. 
 

Prayers for all and have a good day day. 

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from mu 2011 Prinsendam Norway cruise.  On August 11 we visited Bergen.

 

 

Roy

[StLouisCruisers]

Prayers for Lou and your whole family Terry @smitty34877.  Hoping to hear things have stabilized soon. 🙏🏻

[JazzyV]

1 hour ago, smitty34877 said:

I am in the ER with Lou.He was taken by ambulance early this morning.He was slurring his speech and not able to move.I will let you know how things are once he is stabilized.

Oh no! Fervent prayers for you both. 

[RMLincoln]

@smitty34877 🙏 for Amazing!

 

 I don’t make or like jokes about any president, ever. It’s a serious office and impacts us all. I am proud of my little NMchurch who always prays for the president. Always. 

 

DH had a good followup check yesterday. He’s on track, pressures are good, still on post-op eye drops tapering down. She’s pleased!  Thank you all for your continued support. He’ll see her 31 Aug for an optic nerve scan and exam, maybe we’ll discuss discontinuing eye drops?  So much to be thankful for!  
 

Today is packing day, haircut and gas up the hybrid car- heading to NY tomorrow. Cousin Remembrance Day Sunday, visit granddaughters and two retirement communities then home Wednesday. 
 

Blessings to Maui! 😢

And to all here, all in need of healing, comfort or hope. Waiting patiently and hopefully with Lorraine on Murphy’s healing. And Lou! Thinking of Karen!  And Kathi also. 
 

Glad to hear Chuck is feeling ok. Annie you are an impressive warrior working so many fronts- DH, work, your own healing path, your cats and the neighborhood’s cats!  Maybe somebody else is also caring for them. Let’s hope so!  
 

Happy planning Terri!  I’ll be asking for some ports advice here too but after I get back next week when I’ll be lasered in on our Sept cruise. 
 

Congrats to all celebrating.  🌟Great news Sandi about Ren!  Keeps his parents on the move!  
 

Smooth travels to all away! However you’re traveling!  Life is Good🌈. Even on the toughest days… dig inside to remember what’s good right now!  
 

Maureen

Edited August 11, 2023 by RMLincoln
Wouldn’t take my post earlier, weird!

[rafinmd]

I did get there off the Crystal Serenity in 2014 on a cruise to Cape Town where I transferred to the Amsterdam, avoiding a LONG flight home.  My notes say my tours were cancelled so I just walked around town a bit.  The way out of the port was not pedestrian friendly but a Campanile Bell Tower was a nice landmark on the way out:

 

 

Much like Manaus, there's quite a nice looking opera house.

 

 

Near the center of town is the rather large Georges Park:

 

 

At the entrance to St. Georges Park there's a memorial for WW1:

 

 

Closer to the port there Fort Frederick, not a lot more now than ruins:

 

 

 

It has a nice view of the harbor:

 

 

Roy