The Fleet Report and Daily for Sunday September 10th, 2023

[kochleffel]

 

Two of my grandparents died before I was born, one while I was very young, but I spent a lot of time with my father's mother when I was growing up. As a result, a cousin who grew up right across the street from her sometimes calls me for family information. Apparently neither his mother nor our grandmother ever talked with him.

 

I have some aversion to pasta salad of any kind, because too many people bring it to potluck dinners. Hint: if the main course is lasagna, no additional pasta is needed! The cocktail appears to be a diluted mint julep. For a Finger Lakes pinot gris, I'll suggest Dr. Frank's; they grow the grapes both at their original Keuka Lake location and in a newer planting on Seneca Lake, which is warmer and where the soil is more loam and less shale. Except for transiting Schiphol Airport, my last visit to Amsterdam was decades ago, on the way to Luxembourg for an Icelandic Airlines flight back to the U.S. I did the typical things there, but any photos would be pre-digital, and also took a tour to Delft.

 

My class assignment for this week says to do the reading and writing outdoors, near a tree, body of water, or other natural features. It's going to rain every day until the written work is due.

 

[Sharon in AZ]

4 hours ago, Nickelpenny said:

went over to Olive Garden to have dinner (I shouldn't have as I am not a fan of their food; got lasagna - how can anyone ruin lasagna?  It was so bland.  The the salad and breadsticks - wonderful.  And 2 glasses of wine!!).

Since this is a restaurant that my DM likes we eat there every few months. I’m not a huge fan of their lasagna either. However, I love their eggplant parmigiana and only order that and yes to the salad!  I also do the take home baked penne but I cook it much longer than the instructions state. I like the crispy bits that happen when it’s baked. 
 

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by Sharon in AZ

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily @richwmn.

I didn't know grandparents, although I did know my DM's step-father and step-mother. I have several sewing machines, 2 of which were my DM's (she was an excellent seamstress). I think we swap ideas every day here on the Daily. Funny quote. I'll pass on the meal, the drink and the wine. I was in Amsterdam on a land trip before digital photography days. I was supposed to disembark there on my TA earlier this year, but it was changed to Rotterdam.

 

It's cloudy, 70F and humid, with a high of 76. Possible rain later. I'm debating doing the lawn edging or watching the Steelers home opener instead. Tomorrow I absolutely must mow! I got notification that the Brain Health Study I'm in is ending next week. I get to keep the Apple watch they sent (I haven't used it since I already had one). Also I got word that my dear departed friend Ruth's DM will be coming over from the UK in the fall, for a few Penguins hockey games. That's how we all met, and she feels Ruth would want her to come. She's in her early 80's, but still vigorous.

 

I just heard the planes overhead for the flyover at the stadium. They rehearsed yesterday and people were wondering what was going on.

 

@grapau27 Thanks for the link and the photos. 

@StLouisCruisers Lovely photos from Amsterdam.

@rafinmd I'm glad your night was better. Keep resting.

@Crazy For Cats Enjoy a day of relaxation aboard the Zaandam.

@Cruzin Terri Safe travels to Jacksonville.

@summer slope All the pre-cruise arrangements are the worst part of planning a trip.

@Haljo1935 I used to fuss when my DM made me spin so she could pin the hems, lol.

@Overhead Fred Great sunset pics. 

@aliaschief That sounds like a perfect morning!

@marshhawk Most in Europe use WhatsApp, so if you have access to WiFi in the airport you should be able to contact the taxi. I have used an overseas sim card, but it's a bit involved to set up. And from what I know you can only use WiFi on Trac phones internationally.

@Cruising-along Nice photos from Amsterdam.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for those Celebrating.

Edited September 10, 2023 by JazzyV

[Sharon in AZ]

3 hours ago, summer slope said:

Well it hasn't been a relaxing Sunday morning.  It proves to me that we need to cruise out of Fort Lauderdale from now on.  Making reservations for car to airport, stay at hotel the night before, plane tickets to San Diego, hotel stay there 2 nights before cruise, and transportation to ship.  Gracious!!

Dixie, there is a hotel directly across the street from the pier. We always just walk to the terminal. It’s the Bayside (I think it’s a Wyndham property). Also, what airlines are you checking?
 

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!   I was fortunate to know all of my grandparents.  Ooh those salads look good, thanks @dfish
 

@marshhawk FCO airport can be hit or Miss.  We have stood in line for quite awhile arriving when you have to clear customs.   The good thing with Rome cabs is they should monitor your flight times, if you send them to them.   It is nice to have them waiting for you when you arrive with a sign.  Do try and book them.   Allow three hours before your flights when you leave. 

 

We were lucky last time in Amsterdam, they had an open day where different buildings were open to the public.  It was really interesting to see inside some of the canal houses.   I agree with Sandi, about loving the canal tours,  Amsterdam, Paris, St. Petersburg,  Copenhagen and our favourite in Japan around a black castle. 
 

We had a bear very near our home, which is very unusual last night.  

[summer slope]

16 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Dixie, there is a hotel directly across the street from the pier. We always just walk to the terminal. It’s the Bayside (I think it’s a Wyndham property). Also, what airlines are you checking?
 

We stay at the Hilton Bayfront. We are flying United. 

[sailingdutchy]

 

Good morning to all on this nice and festive Sunday for our family , thank you for the Daily to Rich and all the other contributors .

 

Today I just put together a small collection of pictures from our last years Anniversary cruise on the Rotterdam which ended up ten days later  in Amsterdam .

The pictures are from one of the departures from A’dam towards the North Sea at IJmuiden , the tulip fields near the Keukenhof , the Frans Hals museum in Haarlem and the Zaanse Schans  ( Zaandam ) near Amsterdam. 

All beautiful places within an hour from A’dam to visit .

 

Amsterdam near the Cruise Terminal with the Central Station and the port for the Rhine river cruises 

 

 

 

The locks at IJmuiden to the North Sea , sometimes IJmuiden is used as embarkation port .

 

 

 

Tulip fields between Keukenhof and Haarlem 

 

 

 

 

Wonderful day with my cousin

 

 

 

 

 

Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The real Dutch - Indonesian Rijst tafel 

 

 

Zaanse Schans where Tsar Peter the Great learned about ship building .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see when you start or end up in Amsterdam there is lots and lots to see and do , all within a short distance from Amsterdam. 

Have a nice Sunday , hope to see you in the next Port …….. we are off to get a piece of birthday cake from Mom .

 

Tony 😁😁

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[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning and Happy Sunday. I knew all 4 of my grandparents, and one set of great grandparents, but wasn’t really close to them because we lived in different towns in Colorado. My father’s mother lived the longest, about 90ish, which was ironic because she was a hypochondriac. When she died we had a small family get together in 1995 and it was the last time I saw most of my father’s family. 
 

I love orzo salad and my favorite has sun dried tomatoes and wilted spinach, sort of copied from Macaroni Grill which is no longer here. They served it with salmon and it was so yummy. I just make it up with ingredients that I like. 
 

Annie, @marshhawk, I’ve never flown into Rome but have flown to Barcelona and we had to go through immigration. This was June 2022 and the lines were long but moved fast. It sort of depends upon how many international flights arrive at the same time. 
 

DGD has spent the past 3 days and it’s been nice having her around. I hate to see her go home today. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Sharon in AZ]

21 minutes ago, summer slope said:

We stay at the Hilton Bayfront. We are flying United. 

Those are both good. How many days ahead are you arriving?

[Nickelpenny]

59 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Since this is a restaurant that my DM likes we eat there every few months. I’m not a huge fan of their lasagna either. However, I love their eggplant parmigiana and only order that and yes to the salad!  I also do the take home baked penne but I cook it much longer than the instructions state. I like the crispy bits that happen when it’s baked. 
 

 

Who knows if I will get there again.  But if I do, I will try the eggplant.  We used to go there for our Christmas and end of the year "meeting" for all the health offices for the FW district, as the only other RN there LOVED the place.  I have gone for just the salad/soup/breadstick lunch.  🙂 

Edited September 10, 2023 by Nickelpenny
finish it

[summer slope]

13 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Those are both good. How many days ahead are you arriving?

2. Flying in on the 28th. 

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Afternoon,  the Mariners event was short, only 5 medallions were presented.  They got their pictures taken with the captain.  Afterwards we had lunch in the Pinnacle Grill and DH's lobster roll was very small and had a surcharge.  Otherwise the lunch was no charge.  They charged it as a 5* meal. Pleasant surprise. 

Definitely a lazy Sunday. I napped after breakfast and DH napped after lunch.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!

We're loving our beautiful early fall weather lately.  It will get to the high 70's and stay sunny and warm-but-not-too-warm all week.

I was blessed to know all 4 of my grandparents.  They were all wonderful.  I got my love of gardening from my paternal grandparents, and a few of my health problems from my maternal grandparents (but they were wonderful people anyway) 🤣

When I was younger and raising small children I did a lot of sewing -- but haven't now for years.  Swapping ideas is part of life, and I love it.  Funny quote!  I would like the Pinot Gris, pass on the drink, and would like the meal but minus any dill and olives.  

We've been to Amsterdam a couple times -- in 2018 and for a few days in 2019 on our 75-day 50th anniversary trip.  

 

Today is laundry and start packing for Alaska.  It has been raining a lot where we're going, but no worries, we in the PNW don't melt when it rains. 😉  

 

In 2018 we had an overnight in Rotterdam.  On one day we took the train to Amsterdam, did the HOHO, went to the Van Gogh Museum, and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.

 

Amsterdam train station

 

 

 

 

 

In 2019 we stayed at the Movenpick (thank you Debbie @dfish for the recommendation!  We loved that hotel.  We walked all over for hours,  we went to the Anne Frank House (bought our tickets ahead of time), and got flowers for our cabin at the floating flower market. 

 

Great hotel!

 

Such a sobering experience.  Photos inside weren't allowed.

 

Flower market

 

Flowers for the cabin

 

I loved the flowers along the canal.

 

We had a great send-off from Amsterdam.

 

 

 

 

Nice photos.

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, sailingdutchy said:

 

Good morning to all on this nice and festive Sunday for our family , thank you for the Daily to Rich and all the other contributors .

 

Today I just put together a small collection of pictures from our last years Anniversary cruise on the Rotterdam which ended up ten days later  in Amsterdam .

The pictures are from one of the departures from A’dam towards the North Sea at IJmuiden , the tulip fields near the Keukenhof , the Frans Hals museum in Haarlem and the Zaanse Schans  ( Zaandam ) near Amsterdam. 

All beautiful places within an hour from A’dam to visit .

 

Amsterdam near the Cruise Terminal with the Central Station and the port for the Rhine river cruises 

 

 

 

 

 

The locks at IJmuiden to the North Sea , sometimes IJmuiden is used as embarkation port .

 

 

 

 

 

Tulip fields between Keukenhof and Haarlem 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonderful day with my cousin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The real Dutch - Indonesian Rijst tafel 

 

 

Zaanse Schans where Tsar Peter the Great learned about ship building .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see when you start or end up in Amsterdam there is lots and lots to see and do , all within a short distance from Amsterdam. 

Have a nice Sunday , hope to see you in the next Port …….. we are off to get a piece of birthday cake from Mom .

 

Tony 😁😁

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Great photos.

I hope your mother in law had a lovely 97th birthday today.

[Sharon in AZ]

1 hour ago, summer slope said:

2. Flying in on the 28th. 

Nice!  We haven’t finalized our plans yet but will at least arrive the day before. We fly Southwest to San Diego and it’s just a hop skip and a jump for us. 

Edited September 10, 2023 by Sharon in AZ

[rafinmd]

Not all sunrises are spectacular and this one is barely perceptible.  It's from the Crystal Symphony September 10, 2012 on the way from Dublin to Reykjavik and is a foretaste of what the next few days would be like.

 

 

Roy

[57redbird]

1 hour ago, summer slope said:

We stay at the Hilton Bayfront. We are flying United. 

We stay at the Marriott Springhill Suites Bayfront.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon from a partly cloudy central Texas.  It is 90F and feels like 90F.  👏  The humidity has dropped to 30% and the dew point is 54F.   Not bad out for September, but after getting the house cleaned in record time -- 4 1/2 hours, I'm just going to take it easy.  It is nice knowing the whole house is clean; now, if we could just keep it that way.  😁

 

My first post was quick this morning, so I'll elaborate a little.  Both my mother and paternal grandmother were great seamstresses, so many of my dresses were hand made.  After my mother was diagnosed with MS, my grandmother took over the dress making while I was in junior high and high school.  She was so good that many of the dresses looked just like the store bought versions.  She tried to teach me to sew, but found it was easier to do the work than teach me.  I eventually took sewing lessons, and made many of the DDs clothes when they were little, but was not good enough to make their clothes once they started school.  That's when I turned to doll clothes for the Cabbage Patch dolls, and Halloween costumes.  Older DD even won first place for one of the costumes.  I tried making clothes for their Barbie dolls, but they were too small to work with easily.  

 

My paternal grandfather was actually my father's step-father, but he was the father and grandfather we knew and loved.  We couldn't have asked for a better man to fill that part of our lives.  My mother's father died in about 1930, so I was never fortunate to meet him, but I did know and love his two sisters.

 

My maternal grandmother was not very domestic, and only had a few special dishes she made and could not sew.  She did make me an apron for a school play in elementary school.  I still have it, and it's very special to me.  Looking at it now, I suspect my other grandmother actually made it and let her take the credit.  My maternal grandmother however, was a very witty woman who could tell a good story.  She was also the Society Editor on the local paper for 32 years, had a radio program, and was called upon as a speaker many times.  In 1950, she was chosen by Life magazine for a 13 picture spread of a week in the life of a small town Society Editor.  I still have several copies of the magazine and copies of most of the 1000+ pictures they took the week they followed her around town.

 

Forgive me if I've rambled too long about my grandparents, but I've been going through old newspaper files on line and "reliving" a great part of their lives.  I'm also learning a lot about my family from the articles I'm downloading onto the computer.

 

5 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good morning to all.

Just a quick note to check in.

We are going to Jacksonville this afternoon because I have my appointment at the Mayo Clinic tomorrow morning bright and early.  The one that was cancelled last week.  

So I need to get breakfast done and then pack a few things and get on our way.

Will try to post after we are in JAX.

God Bless,

Terri

 

Terri, safe travels this afternoon and tomorrow too.  I hope your doctor appointment goes well.

 

5 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Good morning,

it will be another beautiful day today. It is only 63 degrees with a high of 84. I would go for a walk but DGS is still sleeping. We will celebrate grandparents day when he gets up. 
 

@smitty34877 you are truly amazing caring for your DH  and DS. Prayers for you and your loved ones. Roy I hope you continue to have a mild case of COVID. Prayers for all others on our list. 
 

I was in Amsterdam for the first time on my Norway cruise. I went on a 2 hour canal tour with Captain Dave. I walked around and actually thought the streets were pretty dirty. If I get there again I will broaden my tour to see other parts. I missed gettin Anne Frank house tickets so I will for sure try to get them again. I tried the fries as the shops were everywhere. 

 

I love their French Fries, especially with their mayo, which is so different from what we get in the US.

 

4 hours ago, marshhawk said:

Good Sunday Morning Dailyites!  I did sleep until 8:20, but feel I deserve sleeping late for once. I would love to be the second one up, with the coffee made, and the cats fed, and breakfast waiting for me, but that hasn't happened in years. This is what cruising is for.

 

Yes there is laundry to do, and grocery shopping to be done.  BUT DH says he will actually make dinner tonight (he wants those scalloped potatoes) which he hasn't had a chance to make.  Plus getting up early gives me time to be here, and here is a wonderful place to be.

 

I have a question for you world travelers.  What can DH and I expect when we arrive in Rome.  What does customs entail?  Are we in line for hours?  The last time I went to Europe was with my parents, and I don't remember going through customs .  And prior to that was flying to school, in Switzerland, and the school reps basically met us at the gate. I remember going through customs upon my return to the US.  That's it.  So, what happens in Rome?

 

 

 

@rafinmd I hope you are feeling better.

 

Annie, we flew into Rome in July 2018 on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Rome.  We left Atlanta at 4:06 pm and arrived in Rome about 7:45 am.  We walked from what appeared to be a new part of the airport to Immigration in the old part near the baggage claim area.  There was a line for Immigration, but they had most of the lanes open and some were for Europeans and other were for airline crew.  We had to put our passport on a scanner IIRC and press down very hard for it to work.  Mine worked, but even with the help of a worker, his would not scan, so he was taken through a crew line.  In the meantime, I'd passed the first hurdle and was quickly finished with the one-on-one at a booth.  Even with the long walk and the wait for DH to get through immigration.  We had our luggage and were waiting for the bus to the ship by 9 am.  The lines, even with the glitches moved pretty quickly.  

 

4 hours ago, Overhead Fred said:

Yesterday's sunset on Deer Bay (Lower Buckhorn Lake) Ontario -

 

 

 

 

Beautiful sunset, Fred.

 

3 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning! Waking up to the smell of coffee, breakfast sausages and blueberry pancakes. Yummy!

I believe we will be going to a local farmers market this morning. We have another week here and we cannot be more relaxed. 
I knew one of my grandparents and she was a gem. 
The pancake breakfast is calling me so thanks for the Fleet Report and special post. Thoughts, concern and prayers for all in need. Bruce

 

 

Great sunset pictures, Bruce.

 

3 hours ago, marshhawk said:

Thank you @Cruzin Terri and @cat shepard and @richwmn.  We do fly directly to Rome.  Atlanta to Rome. I do have RomeCabs to get from the hotel to the ship, but as they have changed our flight time, I am wary of making that kind of commitment.  And neither of us have international calling on our phones.  We need to somehow get organized.  I also need to get to the Atlanta airport.  I am too old to put up with taking the train with a bunch of luggage, changing trains and wandering through the train station at the airport.  We wont be coming back into Rome after the cruise, we will be staying on, back to Tampa.

 

DH does not want to get a new phone and have a 3 year contract. I have read that we can buy a sim card when we get to the airport in Italy.  Customer service with Trac phone is rather useless at answering questions.  I will accept any and all suggestions.

 

Annie, DH bought a 3 sim card several years ago for Europe which can be activated on a month to month basis.  It works in some countries but not others.  He also bought a smart phone just for Europe.  We also have T-Mobile which is good for data, email and text in 200+ countries, but it is slow.  It sounds like what's app might be the way to go if you can add it to your Trac phone.

 

Now, I'm going to go through all my pictures from our various times in Amsterdam and see if I can find something different.

 

Lenda

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

4 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

We are flying non stop into Rome then flying back out of Rome. Is leaving Rome a pain in general or only for cruising? Trying to get an idea of how early we need to leave the hotel that morning. 

 

We've flown out of Rome twice, but that was back in 2002 and 2003.  Getting through check in, security was not difficult then, but I don't know what changes have happened since them. 

 

4 hours ago, 0106 said:

Thank you for the photos of Amsterdam, a special shout out to @StLouisCruisers who posts wonderful photos almost every day.  We will be there in October prior to boarding the Rotterdam for a transatlantic cruise.  I guess this is the last year the large cruise ships will depart from there.  We have our activities planned including a private canal boat cruise.  I actually love the planning aspects of travel.  The only thing I haven’t finalized is our meals.  @cruising sister I’m definitely going to get some of those fries!  We are staying at the Movenpick near the central train station and the pet.  Could anyone suggest restaurants for dinner?

 

Sending you peace healing and all good wishes.  May your life be good.

 

Tina, we spent three nights at the Movenpick pre-cruise in Amsterdam in 2008.  We ate in town two of those nights, and one was at a nice restaurant on the main street between Central Station and The Dam.  I don't remember the name, but it was white with a lot of windows over looking the street on the right hand side as you are walking from Central Station.  That was our anniversary dinner, and we enjoyed it.  The last day, it was raining and we were tired, so we had dinner a the hotel.  At that time, they had a set dinner menu that was not too pricey, and beat the ala carte price.  BTW,  if it hasn't changed, when you're ready to head to the ship, have the bell boy pick up your luggage from your room.  They will deliver it right to the  baggage area at the cruise terminal.  When I was going through my pictures, I found this one of the restaurant I mentioned.  It might be for tourists, but we enjoyed it.

 

Lenda

Edited September 10, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser
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[Cruzin Terri]

4 hours ago, marshhawk said:

Thank you @Cruzin Terri and @cat shepard and @richwmn.  We do fly directly to Rome.  Atlanta to Rome. I do have RomeCabs to get from the hotel to the ship, but as they have changed our flight time, I am wary of making that kind of commitment.  And neither of us have international calling on our phones.  We need to somehow get organized.  I also need to get to the Atlanta airport.  I am too old to put up with taking the train with a bunch of luggage, changing trains and wandering through the train station at the airport.  We wont be coming back into Rome after the cruise, we will be staying on, back to Tampa.

 

DH does not want to get a new phone and have a 3 year contract. I have read that we can buy a sim card when we get to the airport in Italy.  Customer service with Trac phone is rather useless at answering questions.  I will accept any and all suggestions.

Annie, what type of phone do you have?  If your phone is locked you cannot buy a SIM card.  It will not work.  Who is your carrier?  You need to know this before you go off and think you are going to get a SIM Card.  I have Verizon and sign up for their international plan when we go out of the country.  Call your carrier.  We pay $10 per day only for the days that we use the service.  That is unlimited calling and data for that day.

You do not need a 3 year contract.  You don’t need any contract anymore.  There are so many plans to choose from.

If you need help, email me and i will try to help.

If you get Rome Cabs from the Airport they will monitor the flight and be there on time.  It is worth it.  Better than waiting on line for a cab.  You don’t want to do that.

Terri

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We've been to Amsterdam on three different cruises beginning in 2004 on Noordam III where we were there overnight.  In 2008, we spent three days there before boarding Prinsendam on the fourth day.  In 2017 we sailed 106 days on Prinsendam beginning in Amsterdam, and returning three more times before heading the rest of Europe and then Fort Lauderdale. 

 

We were also in The Netherlands on Prinsendam in 2016, but that year she was sailing from IJmuiden.  Besides boarding the first day, we returned to IJmuiden three times, and each time the transfer to Amsterdam was canceled, and we really didn't want to do a tour of the city.  In stead we opted for a tour of the windmills in Zaandam and a visit to Edam on the first turnaround day.  The second turnaround day we took the Haarlem.  Tony @sailingdutchy  has shared his pictures of Zaandam and Haarlem, so I'll skip them.  I will post some pictures from Edam and IJmuiden in another post.  For now, here are some more pictures from Amsterdam.

 

The first day we were in Amsterdam, we took the train to Delft and toured one of the pottery firms.

 

 

 

 

When we got back to Amsterdam, we took a tram out to Vondelpark since we'd heard so much about it.

 

On that visit we also took a canal boat tour.  Not all the houseboats are in great shape.

 

 

 

Another day we did the Ho-Ho and saw one of the few windmills in Amsterdam.

 

Another time we walked around Central Station and then took the ferry across the river just because it was there.

 

 

 

The other side of the river near the ferry dock.  We didn't spend a lot of time there, just caught the same ferry back.

 

 

Lenda

 

[rafinmd]

It was generally a pretty good night last night although there was an issue with sore throat, not bad except when I tried to swallow.  Today has been a bit of a roller coaster.

 

I did do a self test this morning.  As expected, it was positive.  I will test every other day until there is a change.

 

I am fending off fever with ibuprofen.  Morning and afternoon temperatures were normal but at noon it was 98.8.  I am on a roller coaster of feeling chilled alternatively feeling hot.  Completely unpredictable.

 

While quite lethargic I did get through online worship today without nodding off.

 

I made an attempt at a nap this afternoon but it was not about to happen.

 

I have no unmet needs at this point but prayers are always welcome.

 

Roy

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Just a few more pictures from the various times we were in Amsterdam.  Many times we'd ride on of the trams just to see where it would go. 

 

One of the many parking places for bicycles.

 

One tram ride took us out toward Schiphol, and many of the buildings were like this one.

 

We arrived at the Heineken's Experience too early and decided not to wait for it to open.

 

Of course, the pictures would not be complete without one of the red light district.

 

A busy pedestrian shopping street.

 

Another day, and another tram ride to an area further from the central part of Amsterdam.  There were hotels there, but we saw more locals than tourists.

 

A theater

 

A nice hotel

 

 

One of the many canals we passed as we sailed from Amsterdam.

 

Sailing toward Ijmuiden

 

 

Lenda

 

[lobsternight]

Hello everyone and thanks for all the reports.  We arrived back from our Alaska cruise a week ago.  As always a wonderful cruise, the second for us this season, this time with X

 

Although rained out at the Hubbard Glacier, it is still spectacular, we got the closest I've ever been.  DW and youngest DS did the zip line at ISP, they loved it.  Took the Taku Lodge floatplane trip, worth every penny, also did the hovercraft in Ketchikan.

 

Its been a hard back to work, we all came down with a nasty head and upper chest cold, going on a week now  just tested again and not saying Covid.  So tired.  Should be going to a HAL local event in an hour, but too sick to go.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

One of our stops on August 8, 2016 was Edam, a very nice town.  We did a walking tour of the town before reaching the central square.

 

There were bridges all along the canal for boats heading to open water.

 

 

Some of the houses along the canal

 

 

 

A quiet residential street and some of the many gardens.

 

 

Busier streets

 

 

When we reached the central square, we found we were very lucky to be there on a Wednesday in summer.  They recreate the Edam Market from the past on Wednesday during the summer.

 

 

 

 

 

A local church

 

 

Part of the floor in the church

 

Lenda

• Rowsby, ger_77, HA