The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday September 7th, 2023

[rafinmd]

5 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

Unfortunately,There is more bad news for Murphy. She has another infection and vent settings went up. They are getting conflicting information from the specialists and especially the surgeon. He wanted to meet my niece alone and was almost shaming her on her negative thoughts. The palliative care team were livid that he did that. It put undo pressure on her. I told her surgeons have egos that need to be fed at times. 

Sadly, they don't need to be fed making a helpless infant suffer.  Wishing your entire family peace.

 

Roy

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

The heat has finally broken and we are looking forward to pleasant temperatures from this point forward.  Today's high is 70, much improved over 90.  The AC was having a hard time keeping up yesterday and I'm wondering if we need to have it looked at.  The fan was working, but the air coming out was not as cool as it should have been.  Good news is that it can wait a bit before we need to do anything.

 

Today's meal is one I would have declined until after reading a bit about chickpeas.  I might give it a try as a side dish.  

 

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have been grown and eaten in Middle Eastern countries for thousands of years.

 

Their nutty taste and grainy texture pair well with many other foods and ingredients.

 

As a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, chickpeas may offer a variety of health benefits, such as aiding weight management, improving digestion, and reducing your risk of disease.

 

Additionally, this legume is high in protein and makes an excellent replacement for meat in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chickpeas-nutrition-benefits

 

 

This first recipe is quick and easy and so fresh!  If you want to add a traditional source of protein, go ahead.  They suggest chicken or shrimp.  I think some of today's salami would go well with it.  https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/the-easiest-chopped-chickpea-greek-salad/

 

 

This recipe has a slight variation in the dressing for the salad.  Ingredients can vary according to your taste.  https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/greek-chickpea-salad/

 

 

This one caught my attention and made me think I should try this recipe.  Roasted tomatoes add so much flavor and crispy chickpeas sound like a real treat.   https://www.lastingredient.com/chickpea-greek-salad/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[dfish]

@cruising sister I am so sorry to hear of baby Murphy's increasing suffering.  I think your niece was quite brave and loving making the decisions she did.  The surgeon had no business doing what he did.  I hope she follows the advice of the palliative care team.  

[GTVCRUISER]

[Seasick Sailor]

@Sharon in AZ Sharon we are taking the Panama Sunfarer Dec 3 thru 15th this year on Rotterdam. This will be our 3rd transit. The last being 2018 when Allen got heat stroke in Cuba and we ended up going to hospital in Costa Rica. Not a great way to see the canal!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a hot and getting hotter central Texas.  It is 81F and feels like 85F with a 4 mph breeze.  The humidity is 67% with a dew point of 68F.  The predicted high is 105F or 107F depending on which part of the weather app you believe.  The "cold" front will reach here Saturday with a high of 98F.  The good news is we are supposed to get rain Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of next week, and the highs will be in the 80s.  If the long range forecast holds we won't see triple digits until next summer.👏 🤞

 

I slept late this morning, and I think between running late and the humidity, I'll get my walking in when I run errands in a bit before it gets too hot.

 

It's been a long time since we had salami.  I hope I don't jinx things, but our PO here is well run and pretty efficient with friendly people working behind the counter.  It's improved in the last year or so.  The PO in Quartzsite is another matter even with the boss trying to get things improved.  I'll celebrate Grandma Moses Day.

 

The quote is good even if it takes a bit to get to the real meaning.

 

We'll pass on the meal and the drink.  I would like to try the wine.

 

We have been to Phillipsburg many times, but only once in the digital age.

 

Today is a big day in the history of Brazil.

 

2 hours ago, seagarsmoker said:

Good morning Dailyites and thank you for the Daily Report.

We finally had dinner with our friends this past weekend who took their first cruise a couple of weeks ago. This was a celebration gift to themselves for retiring earlier this year. They went on the Eurodam to Alaska and had a wonderful cruise experience. They stayed in the same cabin (7137) we are in next month on the Eurodam and of course, they are now spoiled for life staying in a Hollands suite. 😊

The Good, Bad & Ugly…

They flew to Seattle two days before the cruise and stayed in a downtown high-end hotel which is the “Bad & Ugly”. They both mentioned how they would never take another cruise out of Seattle and the best words I can say here is they would call it garbage dump, but that would give garbage dumps a bad name... Despite the rough start, they didn’t let that ruin their cruise.

Overall, they enjoyed the food, excellent service, specialty restaurants, and all the tours they took.  I think the only thing they didn’t like was the dining room. They went the first night and said the food service was very slow and portions were very small. Thankfully, they remembered that we ate in the lido (except for specialty dining nights) and they switched to that and enjoyed it significantly better.

They are looking at doing a HAL fall cruise to New England/Canada next year, so now we have more friends hooked to cruising. 😊

I hope everyone has a great day!      

 

I'm glad your friends enjoyed the cruise.  No one should judge the MDR by what happens there the first night of the cruise.  Between new passengers and new crew plus general getting everyone settled into a new cruise, it can be chaotic.  We usually try to eat in a specialty restaurant on the first night.

 

1 hour ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good morning to all.  Thank you to Rich, Vanessa, Dixie, Ann and Debbie.  What would we do without you.

Sorry I never got to post yesterday. Everything went wrong yesterday and before I knew it, it was time to go to bed.  Crazy day.

I just read all the posts from yesterday and need to belatedly wish Sandi @StLouisCruisers a Happy Anniversary.

@smitty34877 I am sorry to hear of Lou’s setback.  Prayers for him and you and Tana and your whole family and you handle this next crisis.

As always Baby Murphy and her parents are in my prayers.

 

As for the days.  I like Salami.   Neither Rain nor Snow.  That makes no difference.  The USPS is in a sorry state these days.  It’s anybody’s guess when and if you get your mail.  Grandma Moses is an inspiration to all of us.  You are never too old to start something new.

 

Interesting quote.

I have been to St Maarten many times,  Usually spend time walking on the boardwalk or shopping on Front Street.

 

Have a Mani-Pedi Appointment today.  

 

Still trying to get our lives back together again.  It is all on my shoulders and I am doing the best I can.  

Hope everyone has a good day.

God Bless,

Terri

 

Terri, I'm sorry yesterday did not go well.  Remember to try to take it easy and do what you can, and then tackle more the next day.

 

36 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

Good morning,

It has really cooled down here in Kansas by 20 degrees!  My niece is back home in North Carolina and I am recovering from all the activity. She brings a level of energy that rivals a 5 year old. Put the two together and they are unstoppable. 
 

Unfortunately,There is more bad news for Murphy. She has another infection and vent settings went up. They are getting conflicting information from the specialists and especially the surgeon. He wanted to meet my niece alone and was almost shaming her on her negative thoughts. The palliative care team were livid that he did that. It put undo pressure on her. I told her surgeons have egos that need to be fed at times. 
 

I am really beginning to panic about my GA trip. The roll call is so active I can hardly keep up. I have decided to put a deposit on the Voyage of the Vikings for 2025. I have FCD I purchased in May so deposit is covered. 
 

It’s nice to see dailyites enjoying vacations with several more in the next few weeks. Prayers for those on our list and others in need. Have a great day everyone!

 

 

Lorraine, I'm so very sorry about the latest news on Murphy.  I'm still hoping for a miracle.  I agree with you about the surgeon.  He should do what he does best, but not put pressure on your niece.  And why didn't he also talk to the father?  Congratulations on booking the 2025 VOV.

 

29 minutes ago, dfish said:

Good morning, everyone!

 

The heat has finally broken and we are looking forward to pleasant temperatures from this point forward.  Today's high is 70, much improved over 90.  The AC was having a hard time keeping up yesterday and I'm wondering if we need to have it looked at.  The fan was working, but the air coming out was not as cool as it should have been.  Good news is that it can wait a bit before we need to do anything.

 

Today's meal is one I would have declined until after reading a bit about chickpeas.  I might give it a try as a side dish.  

 

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have been grown and eaten in Middle Eastern countries for thousands of years.

 

Their nutty taste and grainy texture pair well with many other foods and ingredients.

 

As a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, chickpeas may offer a variety of health benefits, such as aiding weight management, improving digestion, and reducing your risk of disease.

 

Additionally, this legume is high in protein and makes an excellent replacement for meat in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chickpeas-nutrition-benefits

 

 

This first recipe is quick and easy and so fresh!  If you want to add a traditional source of protein, go ahead.  They suggest chicken or shrimp.  I think some of today's salami would go well with it.  https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/the-easiest-chopped-chickpea-greek-salad/

 

 

This recipe has a slight variation in the dressing for the salad.  Ingredients can vary according to your taste.  https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/greek-chickpea-salad/

 

 

This one caught my attention and made me think I should try this recipe.  Roasted tomatoes add so much flavor and crispy chickpeas sound like a real treat.   https://www.lastingredient.com/chickpea-greek-salad/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

Debbie, your a/c may just need more Freon or whatever they are using now as a coolant.

 

 

 

 

Lenda

Edited September 7, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I looked for my pictures of Sint Maarten and the only digital pictures I have were taken February 3, 2004, the day after DD and DSIL's wedding.  We just walked into town, and I'm not sure if we got much further than the area around the new cruise pier.

 

A couple of pictures of  the new pier as we walked into town.

 

 

The market place near the pier

 

A nearby beach.  It was a slow day in port with just the Ruby Princess and one small cruise ship.

 

Lenda

[Cruzin Terri]

@cruising sister Lorraine,  i am so sorry to hear of Baby Murphy’s setback.  More prayers for a miracle.  i agree with the others that the surgeon was out of line.

Terri

[marshhawk]

Good Thursday Morning Dailyites!  I worked until 11:15 pm last night, and  I start this morning at 10.  I'm not really awake, but somehow need to show up for work.

 

The port of the day is on my bucket list,  but will have to wait until 2025.  

 

Something happened to a cell tower in the Atlanta area yesterday, and all the callers in my county and Fulton county lost internet connection, phone connection, text ability, it was weird, on off, on off.

 

 

I guess i will attempt to get ready for work.  At least today I dont work past 9.  And I do get breaks during the day. Which is good as I have nothing in the house to eat for lunch, so I get to pick something up.

 

 

DH has been reading cook books, he is going to make scalloped potatoes today.  Hmmm, and work?

 

Have a great day everyone!  

 

 

 

 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  I enjoy salami on a charcuterie board, but DH eats more of it than I do.  We are blessed to still have great mail carriers.  Grandma Moses proved you're never too old to start something new.  DH's aunt tried doing the same thing, often telling people she was the "New Grandma Moses".  Trust me, she wasn't.

 

I'm not sure when the rain started, but there are puddles in the street and the skies are looking ominously dark blue/grey, so I'm pretty sure there's more coming.  I feel for the farmers who are trying to get their crops off.  DH and I talked about this yesterday, and there's no way I could be a farmer - the stress of everything being dependent on the weather is immense.

 

We've been to the port of the day a few times on our Caribbean cruises, and enjoyed each visit.  We usually take the water taxi over to the main town and wander around through the shops before stopping to have our traditional beer in every port before heading back to the mother ship.

 

Not a lot on the agenda today, but I've got another bag of clothes and shoes that need to be dropped off at the thrift store, so you never know what DH will find that he really needs from there.  LOL  He's such a shopper.  I'm 3/4 of the way through my next blanket, so while we're there, I'll be looking for knit or crochet afghans that I can tear apart and use the yarn to complete this one and make more.

 

I'll pass on the drink of the day, would love to try the wine that starts with "This wine screams value."  Pretty sure I'd like today's menu suggestion, although DH wouldn't, so won't put it in the recipe box.  Because it's cool and rainy, I think I'll take out one of our little pork roasts and toss it in the slow cooker along with potatoes, carrots and celery and call it a meal we can enjoy tonight on the deck with the windows closed.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, especially sweet little baby Murphy and her family.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

[kazu]

Thanks for our Thursday Daily, Rich

and thanks to Ann, Debbie, Vanessa & Dixie

 

I’m late to the party again 😔. Good collection of days.  Grandma Moses is an inspiration.  Neither rain nor snow normally stops my dog walks but the mail?  Most times it is delivered but often the community mailbox is frozen and it can take days to get it de-iced and opened (and yes, we have to do that).  

 

I really like today’s quote - it is so true.

 

 

No outside work got done yesterday 😢 I wasn’t feeling great but it was my roll call, emails and spread sheet that kept me indoors.  They have me hopping!  The roll call is shy of 2,500 posts with an astronomical # of people for the sail away and Meet and Greet - the largest I have done - surpassing my Hawaii, Tahiti Marquesas tour (which I thought were a lot).  Thankfully some roll call members have offered to help me distribute the invites and with the M & G. 👍  And of course, Ivan needed attention and time.  Bless him I think he knew I wasn’t up to snuff and wasn’t demanding as much fetch as usual.

 

It’s supposed to rain for 3 days so I better get my act together today.

 

 

2 hours ago, Crazy For Cats said:

 Clocks moved 90 minutes forward overnight. 

 

90 minutes?  Sounds like you might be headed to Newfoundland, Jake?  I’m so glad no storms will impede you visiting the 3 ports there. 👍 

 

 

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I forgot to mention something fun we saw last night.  After dinner we were looking out our sunroom windows watching for the deer to show up.  Well, show up they did!  For the first time ever we saw a dozen deer amble over from the woods a few at a time.  There were at least 4 fawns out there.  Several of the males who have been growing antlers right in front of our eyes this summer were out there, too.  All were grazing and enjoying the nice evening.  We only saw one lie down this time.  I'm sure picking up those prickly pine cones makes it nicer for the ones who rest down there in the evening.  We consider their visit last night our anniversary gift.  It was awesome!🦌

 

LOL - that’s a common sight here Sandi and not one most of us here welcome.  I’m glad you enjoyed them.  I wish I could send you some of ours 😔 

 

@cruising sister that surgeon was SO out of line.  He should be reported IMO.  So unfair to do that to your niece.  Especially alone 😡. My prayers continue for Baby Murphy, your niece and DH and you. 🙏 

 

Prayers for those on the Care list, those suffering losses, health issues, worries & those that need them.  Cheers to those celebrating & cruising 🥂 

 

 

Have a great Thursday, everyone.

 

 

 

 

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites. 

 

Temps the next few days here in Georgetown: 105, 106, 103.. 

 

Woke up at 4:00 thinking I was in a Star Wars movie. The dogs were snoring like ewoks and wookie's. 

 

Lifting prayers for all on our care list. Gosh, our little Baby Murphy is sure fighting for her life. Shame on the surgeon. 

 

Last night our next door neighbor came by with a bunch of still in the box pet supplies. He wanted to get a small dog for his granddaughter last year and it didn't happen. Since I have all the things already I'll donate them to the pet sanctuary where we got Oliver. 

 

Speaking of Oliver, he had a nice spaw day. His fur is more even, ears and eyes in great shape although he has a few scars from the flea infestation he lived in. Urg..

 

The bee's are out in full force. There were at least 20 clambering for sugar water on the hummingbird feeders this morning already. 

 

Tonight is game night. We decided to play Mahjongg. I am making a chicken salad with cranberry, grapes and pecans. And a batch of Cosmo's. 

 

Hip hip hurray on the celebrations and those sailing! 

 

Love Grandma Moses paintings. I enjoy folk art and to see her paintings when she was in her 70's to me was remarkable. 

 

I have been to the port of the day about 5 times and we will be there again this winter on the Beautiful Rotterdam. We love the Carribean. 

 

 

For our friends in Canada 

 

 

Blessings to you. Enjoy your day!

[lindaler]

Good morning all. The new schedule for our Tales of the South Pacific cruise came through this week. I am just having a hard time getting excited about it. I have 26 days before departure. Many of the islands now scheduled I have never heard of but in some ways that is good. 

 

I hope everyone had a pleasant day. 

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from one of the last voyages of Cruise West.  On September 7, 2010 their Spirit of Columbia visited Tracy Arm:

 

 

Roy

[Nickelpenny]

Good Morning to All!  Thanks for the daily and fleet reports.  Great list of days!  I get a daily USPS Informed Delivery email.  I don't know how I signed up for it but it is interesting.  I get a "picture" of my mail that will be delivered that day.  I think it is only first class mail but most of it is just junk anyway. So the postal system is doing a great job. I didn't know there was a museum in VT for Grandma Moses (seemed to missed that when I was on assignment in the NE!!).  Wholeheartedly agree with the quote.  I will pass on the drink (peach - yuck!), maybe on the wine and never been to St Maarten but I will be going there on my Amazon cruise next Feb.  That's exciting.  And Happy Independence Day Brazil!!

 

Absolutely LOVE chickpeas so anything with them I will definitely try.  I cook them in my Instant Pot for hummus, to add to dishes or sometimes I season them and then bake them in the oven for snacks.  They are so healthy for you!!

 

@seagarsmoker You get points for converting another one!!  😆

 

I guess I spoke too soon.  We have another excessive heat warning that will be over the weekend.  Today the high should be around 103F but right now (0740) it is a nice 78F with only a 23% humidity.  Absolutely lovely.  Since my subbing job was canceled and I decided I didn't want to pick up another one, I must do some of the tasks I have been procrastinating on.  

 

I am appalled (but not surprised) of the audacity of little Murphy's surgeon.  In my experience, neuro surgeons and cardiac surgeons are the worst (hope no one on here is one of those) - not the most patient friendly, let's say.  I do hope he is reported.  It was a tough decision to make and the parents should be supported not beaten down.

 

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

 

Have a great Friday eve everyone!!

 

 

 

 

[Himself]

3 hours ago, summer slope said:

Good morning.  Received official notice of port change for our Hawaii cruise in January.  Lahania is being replaced by Kahului on Feb 8.

 

Game Day Peach Sour cocktail:

 

Ingredients
3 parts Maker's Mark® Bourbon
1 part DeKuyper® Peachtree® Schnapps Liqueur
Splash Sour Mix

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake without ice. Pour over ice in glass.

 

Sounds good!

[Heartgrove]

Thank you Rich, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work. And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Just over 37 years ago I lost my son, Sean, at birth to an extremely rare heart condition. The doctors, nurses, and grief counselors prepared my ex-wife and I over a short five days of what we could expect both positive and negative. It has never left me.

 

Stay Safe and prayers today for those that need them, especially Baby Murphy's family.!

 

- Jack

[aliaschief]

Good morning. Blue skies, 56 degrees and will peak around 68F. My thought on meal of the day is why ruin a perfectly good Greek salad with chickpeas? 
I believe some are going on a hike at Cape Lookout but I’ll remain here and exercise with a walk on the beach.

Thanks for the Fleet Report and featured post. Bruce

 

[Himself]

4 hours ago, richwmn said:

 

Today is National Salami Day, Neither Rain nor Snow Day, and Grandma Moses Day
 

So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them.--Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Meal Suggestion for today - Chickpea Greek Salad
Drink of the Day - Game Day Peach Sour
Wine of the Day - 2017 The Stump Jump GSM
Destination of the Day - Philipsburg, St Maarten Island, Dutch Antilles

Today in History:
1822 Pedro I, son of King Joao VI declares Brazil's independence from Portugal (National Day)

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

Ketchikan, Alaska 0700-1300
 

Koningsdam

Ketchikan, Alaska 1100-1900
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Juneau, Alaska 0700-1630
 

Nieuw Statendam

At Sea Destination Dover, England eta 09-08
 

Noordam

Skagway, Alaska 0700-2000
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Naples, Italy eta 09-08
 

Rotterdam

Firth of Forth Anchorage, Scotland Overnight
 

Volendam

At Sea Destination Juneau, Alaska eta 09-08
 

Westerdam

Sitka, Alaska 0800-1600
 

Zaandam

Havre-Saint-Pierre, Newfoundland 1000-1700
 

Zuiderdam

Halifax, Nova Scotia 0800-1600
 

Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Report.

[durangoscots]

@cruising sisterDon't panic on the GA!! I am reading the roll call which is very, very active. I know many of the things people are planning are not going to happen to me. I plan a nice, low key, sight-seeing type of cruise with plenty of time to put my feet up and let the world roll (or sail) by. I am going to have a techie type friend help me with the two visas next week. I have scheduled a number of tours but I know I will cancel some when I am on board depending on how I am feeling and what I find out about them. Plan to play alot of it by ear. Don't stress .... the cruise will sort itself out as we go. My feeling is you can't go wrong with a cruise.

 

Susan

 

 

 

 

 

[richwmn]

8 minutes ago, Himself said:

Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Report.

Nice to see you posting again

[dfish]

47 minutes ago, Heartgrove said:

Thank you Rich, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work. And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Just over 37 years ago I lost my son, Sean, at birth to an extremely rare heart condition. The doctors, nurses, and grief counselors prepared my ex-wife and I over a short five days of what we could expect both positive and negative. It has never left me.

 

Stay Safe and prayers today for those that need them, especially Baby Murphy's family.!

 

- Jack

 

Hugs to you, Jack.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

We're having nice September weather so far, around 70 every day and warming to the higher 70's this weekend then cooler again.  No rain in the foreseeable future. 🙂  

 

I've never cared for Salami, good thing because the sodium content is too high for me anyway.  Rain and snow may not stop our mail, but for a long time our carrier just could not get the mail into the right box.  Really kind of scary to have to rely on someone else to get it back to us and not just toss it!  Thankfully we've had a much better carrier (a woman 😉 ) for a year or so now.

 

Grandma Moses was an inspiration.  My Grandmother also took up painting in her 70's and I actually prefer her paintings (scenic, realistic) over the folk art.  Of course Grandma's paintings were only for the family, and I treasure the pieces of hers I have.

 

The quote is good, will pass on the drink and red wine.  I'm not sure if I've ever been to Philipsburg, but probably not.  

 

DH and I will start packing soon, our Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise will begin a week from tomorrow (!)  It will be nice to be cruising even if it's only for a week and even if it isn't a BHB.

 

@seagarsmoker I'm so sorry your friends had a bad experience in Seattle -- truthfully it has become an embarrassment to many of us.  I would suggest nobody book a hotel downtown.  I won't go downtown Seattle, and am very glad we live far enough north that it doesn't affect us.  Not getting into politics, but it has gotten worse and worse. 😞  

 

Lorraine @cruising sister I'm so sorry to hear about Baby Murphy's infection and the terrible way the surgeon treated her Mama.  He was out of line.

 

Jacqui @kazu Thank you for the photos of your pretty Hydrangeas!  

 

@Nickelpenny We have Informed Delivery too.  I signed up for it because of our terrible mail carrier, LOL.  That way I could see if we were getting all our mail.

 

Lorraine @cruising sister I agree with Susan @durangoscots.  Our GA roll call may be active, but right now a lot of it doesn't apply to me, and the rush for private tours has slowed down a LOT.  

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all! 
@cruising sister I am just so sorry to hear of the continued struggles exacerbated by the surgeon.  Praying for the best path forward.  
@Heartgroveso sorry for your loss! 
@kazu your hydrangeas are sublime!  Thank you for sharing! 
@Crazy For Cats I love how much they sing in Newfoundland!  
@Cruising-along hope you are feeling better! 
@seagarsmokersounds like your friends had a great cruise,  my aunt and cousins live in Seattle and I think downtown is not the same, sadly. Hope you too have a great cruise!

 

A giant toadstool

 

 

[kochleffel]

I guess that salami can have a day, as long as I don't have to do anything about it. "Neither Rain nor Snow Day"? I guarantee that I will not start painting in my old age, except for interior walls and the like.

 

I would like the chickpea Greek salad and will bookmark the recipes. However, one of my favorite chickpea recipes is for a vegan substitute for tuna salad. Mashed chickpeas have a similar texture and a neutral flavor, then you add the typical other ingredients plus the secret ingredient: seaweed flakes, to impart a fishy character.

 

I would probably like the drink, and it's not a pseudotini. For a red blend, there is nothing really similar here, because two of the varieties aren't grown in this region and the one that is, Syrah, doesn't turn out as dark. Roaring Red from Chateau LaFayette Reneau is a possibility.

 

I haven't been to Philipsburg. It was on the itinerary for a cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam in January 2020, but changed to Fredriksted, St. Croix, because of the ship's propulsion problem, which made it too far to return from at the speed the NA could sail. So here is a photo from Christiansted, to which I took a van shuttle.

 

 

This morning I dressed out of the laundry basket and did some work outdoors before it got too hot, although it was on the sunny side of the house. I also found the package that Amazon claimed to have left at my front door yesterday, but which was really in the shrubs near the back door (front door doesn't face the street).