Saturday November 25th, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from Quartzsite.  It is 45F and feels like 44F, but how they can tell the difference beats me.  We should get up to 64F with sun this afternoon.  I hope to get the Christmas tree up and decorated today.  So far, last night, I got some of the decorations out of the closet.  However, before I can work on Christmas decorations, I have to do something with the spare room/office.  We just dumped things in there the past few days, and it is beyond cluttered.

 

We should support small businesses, but the only two permanent ones here are the grocery stores.  I need groceries, but I need more than I can find locally.  I'm trying to hold off going to Blythe for groceries until Monday.  I don't want to be on the Interstate even for only 20 or so miles with the holiday traffic.

 

A parfait would be nice, and I don't remember the last time I had one.  It's interesting that Maize has its own day.  I don't need any shopping reminders.  I spent too much saving money on essentials online on Black Friday.

 

Albert Einstein has given us another good quote.

 

I prefer meat in my stuffed bell peppers, but I kept the vegetarian recipe when that was the meal of the day.  I saved it to serve when our vegetarians are here.  Today's drink does not appeal to me, but I would like to try the wine.

 

We have not been to Melbourne.

 

Today marks a good day in US history, but a not so good day in England.

 

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I hope your tummy feels better soon.  Thanks for the pictures of Melbourne.

@Seasick Sailor  Joy, I'm glad the cruise is going well, and that there are so many crew members on board from past cruises.

@Crazy For Cats  Jake, safe travels for you and your DH today.

@Heartgrove  Jack, that is good news you tested negative.  I hope the symptoms go away very soon.

@marshhawk  Annie, I'm sorry you are also having tummy issues.  I hope you get better soon.  Please tell Chuck, @catmando that I understand how his pride is hurt more than his face after the fall.  I feel the same way about walking into the motorhome slide out.

@ger_77  Gerry, I'm glad you got the timer changed and did not have any trouble with the ladder.  I'm very happy that your DH's CT scan did not show any problems.

 

We are celebrating Texas big win over Texas Tech last night.  Unfortunately, there were several players who had to tended to on the field, and one Tech player had to leave the field on the medical cart and taken to the ER.  I have not heard or seen anything about his condition..  

 

Texas secured a spot in the Big 12 Championship game next Saturday.  For many years, the game was played by the top team in each division, but now it's between the top two teams in the conference.  It seems strange that the number 2 team can be the Big 12 Champion.  Anyway, Texas will play either Oklahoma or Oklahoma State.  I'm hoping it's OSU since we seem to have trouble beating OU.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is a nice sunny morning here in mid-Michigan, but it sure is cold!  We are taking River over to our niece's house today so she can play with Kourtney's boys, Samson and Griffin.  We try to get her together with her cousins each time we have her.  I have been worried about how little impulse control she has and did some reading and it is probably a result of her home life.  We just have to try to be the steady influence in her life instead of the chaotic life she is used to.  

 

We had today's meal last summer so we'll be reviewing today.  I think there is one new recipe that I snuck in there.  If you prefer meat in yours, add it in!   https://www.aheadofthyme.com/easy-vegan-stuffed-bell-peppers/

 

 

I would like the mushrooms and onions in these peppers.   I'd probably add in some eggplant and leave out the carrots and rice.   https://simple-veganista.com/vegan-stuffed-peppers/

 

 

These look really good, but I would replace either the lentils or quinoa with meat.  Too many carbs in this one for me.  If you want to, you can use ground chicken or turkey in place of beef.   Just season it well.    https://www.wellplated.com/vegan-stuffed-peppers/

 

 

I hope this finds you all well and that you have a wonderful day!

 

[cunnorl]

 Good Morning from another cool and cloudy day at the beach

      It is in the 60`s, warming to low 70`s. People are on the beach, have to be visitors!

     I really enjoy stuffed peppers. Havent had a parfait in a very long time. We were in Melbourne this time last year. We went to the Penguin Parade. Cold rainy night but loved every minute. I will post some pictures.

     I will be shopping at a few small businesses today. The Golf shop and a small soap and lotion shop in the Village. My sister loves their lavender lotion so I will get some for her.

   My trees are standing but not decorated. Hope to do that tomorrow. DH and DS are decorating the outside of the library this morning. One of my girlfriends is there supervising all the men. We will do the trees inside on Thursday. 

  Stay safe and enjoy today

     Charlene

[cunnorl]

[RedneckBob]

2 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning Going to be pretty much a repeat of yesterday.Have been to Melbourne and I very much agree with today’s quote. Sandi thanks for the pics and hope you’re feeling better soon.

As for many it was leftovers and tonight is going to be turkey soup.

It’s brisk in the house and almost an invitation to get back under the covers.

It will be interesting to hear about my knee Monday as the last couple of days it’s felt fairly normal.

Sue being from Michigan we’’ll be watching the Michigan and Ohio game. Go Blue!

Thanks for the reports and prayers where needed. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Bruce

 

 

Wow, how did you get into my house and took a photo of my TV. Oh, it’s not mine, I have a RCA video recorder that I bought from a TV place in 1978 in New York City for $750. Was listed at $1100.

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors.

 

I heard National Maize Day is an amazing day! 😀

[RedneckBob]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Melbourne, Australia!  Our first cruise down under was in 2013 on Diamond Princess.  There were two stops in Melbourne.  The first time it was raining and windy so we bundled up and took our umbrellas and went for a walk. I believe we ended up at Queen Victoria Market.  Home to more than 600 small businesses, it's a great place to find fresh and specialty produce, handmade and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing.  Somehow I lost one of my favorite earrings during that walk.  Then the second time the weather was better so we walked to a nearby beach.  

 

But I think we enjoyed our third time there in 2017 while on Sun Princess the most.  That day we had a plan to walk to the end of the port area, cross the street and follow the tram line all the way to downtown Melbourne.  Most people bought tickets and took the tram but what fun is that?  It was actually quite a nice walk if you don't have any mobility issues.  This is the end of the port area where we crossed the street to the tram line.

 

And this is the building you go into to buy your tram tickets.  Looks like some crew waiting for the next ride into downtown.

 

This is the walkway along the tram line, which is on the right side of the photo.

 

And here comes the next tram flying past us going the other way.

 

 

Finally made it to the main road at the end of the tram pathway.

 

The Yarra River runs right through the city.  You can take lunch, dinner or day cruises on the beautiful river and be surrounded by the city.

 

 

 

Here is their aquarium.

 

This building says it's the Immigration Museum.

 

Near that was St. Paul's Cathedral

 

 

I looked this up.  It's the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square.

 

At this point we decided to turn around and walk back to the ship.

 

 

The downtown is really stunning.

 

You can see the Sea Life Aquarium across the river during the walk back.

 

Artwork outside a building.

 

That's when we heard this helicopter start up across the river.

 

A lot of people stopped to watch it head out.

 

The weather in Melbourne is very changeable and any native will tell you that!  We walked all the way back to the ship and enjoyed it very much even though we later calculated it was a 9 mile walk that day!

Great photos. Been there in a rental car. Try to make a right hand turn in the far left lane on a four lane road with a rail car in the middle of the road!

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

I don’t get it. 😳

[StLouisCruisers]

I heard back from DS and he was able to locate some tickets for Ren.  He will take one of his old buddies and former Tiger soccer player with him.  Two years ago this same buddy took Ren to the game with tickets they were able to obtain.  But it's very cold in Michigan today (as Nancy @ottahand7 and Debbie @dfish mentioned), so I hope they are dressed in warm layers.  

 

I'm trying to get some fluids into me but it still hurts my tummy when they get there!  DH says he needs some help eating the pecan pie from Thanksgiving but I've only had one slice on Thanksgiving.  Hoping this is only a 24 hour tummy ache.  I hope Annie @marshhawk gets her tummy back to normal soon.  Last night I only had about 3 bites of baked potato and about the same of cranberry sauce.  No leftover spatchcock chicken at all.  I doubt I starve.  Thanks for the concern friends!

 

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by StLouisCruisers

[Nickelpenny]

Beautiful morning on the MS Volendam. Good collection of days but won’t be able to support a small business for a couple of days!  I will try to have some corn today. I live Einstein’s quote. 
 

 

I am keeping busy during the sea days. Tai Chi, Hulu dancing, watching the ballroom dancing, Happy hour, and watched a super funny comedian last night. Only had lunch so ordered room service for a Caprese panini. It was okay. 
 

We are still rocking a little but not too bad. It was nice this morning and not as cold. 
 

Thoughts for the world and cheers for those celebrating!

 

Have a great Saturday!!

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from yesterday, taken from MS Rotterdam's ledo looking out over a somewhat cloudy Atlantic at Port Everglades.

 

 

Roy

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  Today it's 38F and we expect a high of 59 and partly cloudy skies.  I intend to stay inside today and did a small amount of online shopping on Black Friday.  Late yesterday afternoon I started feeling unwell and could only eat a few bites of dinner.  Still don't feel great this morning and intend to take it very easy until this goes away.  Tummy hurts when I put food or drink into it, so not a Covid-related problem.  I skipped my treadmill today and stayed in bed.

 

Thanks once again Rich @richwmn for our Fleet Report and Daily.  National Parfait day would be nice if I felt like eating.  Maize day only reminds me of Michigan's Maize and Blue, not corn, and it is also Shopping Reminder Day.  We won't forget Small Business Saturday here in the U.S.  An interesting quote by Einstein.  I like meat in my stuffed bell peppers but would probably not like the drink or wine. 🍷 Looks like Britain hung around for a while with their military presence here after the Revolutionary War.  Maybe they thought we'd fall on our faces!  Anyway, thanks to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope, and Ann @cat shepard for their food and beverage reports for today.

 

Prayers for all our Daily family sick, in pain, or suffering in some way.  Also to those in Israel and Ukraine and may there be happy reunions with the hostages being released.  Special prayers for DB, friends Scott and Bob and their wives who care for them.  🙏  Three cheers for those celebrating happy events and especially the cruisers. 🥂  Thanks Vanessa @JazzyV for the lists today and I hope last night wasn't a sleepless one. 

 

One of our two kid's teams will no longer be undefeated after the Michigan-Ohio State game being held at the Big House in Ann Arbor.  Ren wanted to go to the game so DS went hunting for two tickets, but I haven't heard if that was successful or not.  I will ask once everyone is awake there.  I don't watch big games like this because I can't handle the stress.😮

 

The port today is a very nice one, Melbourne (Victoria), Australia.  We were there twice in 2013 and once in 2017 so I have pictures!  This was our port on January 25, 2022.  Here's the link:

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Normally a busy time of the year.  Stay safe and well!

I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling well Sandi.

I hope you can eat something today and you are feeling a lot better soon.

Maybe Dennis can get a stomach settler from your pharmacy to help if your tummy doesn't improve quickly.

 

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, kazu said:

Thanks for our Saturday Daily, Rich

And thanks Debbie, Dixie, Vanessa & Ann.

 

Great collection of days.  Yay for small business and small business Saturday!  Maize was such an important crop for so long.  I’ll celebrate shopping reminder at small businesses today 🙂 

 

Great quote by Einstein and so true.  The meal sounds interesting and I believe that grape today is a delicious white one 🤞 We were in Melbourne a couple of decades ago and enjoyed the city and it’s people very much.

 

 

Had a nice lunch with my BFF and she started to talk about the cruise at the end so I think she’s starting to look forward to going 🤞 

 

Christmas markets are on here to help fundraise for good causes and support small business so a visit to one of those is on my itinerary today.  A lot of my Christmas stuff is started and nearly done but I might change my tune on that depending on what I see/find today 😉 

 

 

Along with that, I’m searching for a couple of email addresses to get some thank you’s out.  Charging the old Ipad in the hopes they are there.  For some reason they don’t seem to have carried over to my new one.

 

 

@dfish wow on all of your trees!  They look fabulous. That’s a lot of work to get them all up in one day!  You are really full of Christmas spirit 🎄 

 

@AV8rix I know you are unplugged but I hope you have a great cruise today.  Bon Voyage 🛳️ 🥂

 

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

 

 

Have a good Saturday everyone.

 

Sending you my belated Birthday in Heaven wishes for José.

[rafinmd]

I think many dailyites know I have a mini-Guardian emergency alert device.  I knew it work at sea or in foreign ports so it did not go on the ship but I wanted to have it for my travel time.  I wore it until I parked in Port Everglaldes and then powered it down, hoping that it would go well beyond the normal 3-day battery life if turned off.  It did come back alive when I returned to my car and when I got to the hotel the battery was still 70% charged.  Not bad.

 

Roy

[dobiemom]

Good morning! Thank you for the HAL fleet report and all the daily information.

 

I still have a bit of draining sinuses and cough, but I think I’m getting better? I’ve tested negative for Covid before going into the office (3x so far) so it’s not that.  Luckily I only go in twice a week (work from home the rest of the week) and I have an office not a cubicle. 

 

Trying to get organized before my cruise. I ordered b-day/Christmas presents for the grandkids. They’ve arrived and I only need to wrap 1 b-day present now, the rest can wait until I return. Almost done getting Christmas cards ready to mail. I thought I had more cards for the office and family here but I can’t find them. So another trip to the store. 

 

Getting my packing list finalized. I wish I could check just 1 bag but I just need all my stuff. 😉

 

Thank you all for caring and sharing. Safe travels to all Dailyites on the road or on the seas. Prayers for all who need them. 

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily @richwmn. Ugh, somehow lost my post so re-doing it.

We should support small businesses. I'm not a parfait person. Maize was/is and important crop. I don't need a shopping reminder, as I'm done (BFF and I cut down on gifts as neither of us needs more "stuff"). Good quote. Maybe on the meal, pass on the drink and wine. I was in Melbourne on my first HAL cruise from Auckland to Sydney.

 

It was only 22F this AM, now up to 32F (high of 44F). At least it's sunny. Same issues for me. I slept about 4 hours, but feel sleepy. Maybe my coffee will kick in. I wanted to do some cleaning, but mornings are tough due to pain. Also maybe put up a few Christmas decorations. And perhaps a nap in the recliner, if I can manage it. 

 

@AV8rix Bon Voyage! (I know you're unplugged)

@GTVCRUISER Welcome home.

@StLouisCruisers I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well and hope that passes quickly. Great photos.

@Seasick Sailor So nice that there's crew members you know on this cruise. Enjoy!

@aliaschief I'm glad the knee feels ok. Mine are on again/off again as far as pain goes.

@cat shepard Thanks for finding a hidden talent for me 🙂. Your dinner and evening sounds like a fun time.

@Crazy For Cats Safe trip home.

@Heartgrove I'm glad you're testing negative and hope you're back to your usual self soon.

@marshhawk I'm sorry you're still having stomach issues. Do you know what's causing that? 

@ger_77 Good news that DH's CT scan was ok! 

@Quartzsite Cruiser Congrats to Texas on their win.

@dfish I am so glad you are in River's life to provide a steady influence. Thanks for the recipes.

@cunnorl Nice photos.

@Nickelpenny Thanks for the photo. Enjoy the activities.

@rafinmd Thanks for the sunrise.

@dobiemom I do hope you're getting better. 

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for those Celebrating.

[JazzyV]

Some pictures from Melbourne (2006, Statendam). We spent most of the day at a Wildlife Park.

Approaching Melbourne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ballarat/Sovereign Hill Gold Mining Town

 

 

Old Gold Mine

 

Redcoat Soldiers

 

Ballarat is know for cast iron building decoration

 

Memorial to the bandsmen of HMS Titanic

 

Statendam in Melbourne

 

Melbourne Harbor with HMAS Ballarat

 

 

[durangoscots]

Good morning from sunny and frigid Durango. It was 14F when dogs and I went out and there is 6 inches of snow on the ground. To say that the Chihuahua was not pleased is an understatement. He shivered and cried and refused to leave the porch. I shoveled him a clear spot just off the steps and he finally consented to going off the porch and doing his business. Will have to repeat in about 3 hours. Meanwhile, the Shih Tzu rushed out, completed assignment and was back on the porch and demanding to be returned to the house in about 3 minutes. Now I need to go clear my car off. Hopefully the sun will loosen up the snow.  Yep .... Australia and the South Pacific look really good right now.

 

I am sorry so many of you are feeling under the weather. People here seem to be experiencing the same thing. I am just tired and and a bit frustrated trying to get things done. I will not be decorating for Christmas since I will be leaving right afterward and there is just me and the dogs.  As a matter of fact, I am pulling out some decorations to go to the thrift store on Monday. Hopefully my neighbors will put up lights to get me in the Holiday spirit.

 

Take care all.... rest if you feel you need it - don't feel like you have to get everything done at once.

 

Susan

 

 

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by durangoscots

[Cruise Suzy]

It's beginning to look like Christmas on the Eurodam. No Christmas music yet, but this morning the Deck 9 (Lido) aft elevator lobby had a tree with several huge boxes surrounding it. During lunch, boughs with balls were being hung on the Lido market railings.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Another frosty morning here, clear and 28 F when I woke up.  Heading for a high of 44 F.  

I love parfaits, and maize (corn) is my favorite vegetable.  Unfortunately it's also the worst for my blood sugar! We'll be getting groceries today at the Commissary and I do have my shopping list (reminder) started.  The Christmas shopping is finished.

 

I like the quote, prefer meat in my stuffed peppers and never have used a recipe.  Always use red peppers because DH doesn't like the green, and I like to add grated melted cheese over the tops. That actually sounds very good for tonight.   Viognier is one of my favorite wines, and I'd like to try the drink.  

 

Melbourne is on the itinerary for the GA, our plan is a city and garden tour, then I'd like to take the tram to the market.  Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the info.  Since we'll be there during their summer, I'm sure we won't feel like walking 9 miles that day like you did!  😂 I'm a cool-weather walker. 😉  

 

Vanessa @JazzyV I do hope you can get a nap today and prayers for your pain to get better (preferably go away!).  You have put up with this for far too long. 😞  

Gerry @ger_77 Great news that your DH's CT was fine and the culprit must be his blood thinners.

Annie @marshhawk I'm sorry you're having tummy troubles and hope it passes soon.

Sandi @StLouisCruisers I'm sorry you're also having tummy troubles and hope it's a 24-hour thing too.  It was exactly 1 year ago now when I was SO sick for weeks and couldn't hold down anything.  It's what messed up my kidneys -- so now I worry anytime I hear about tummy troubles.

 

Thanks all for the great photos of Melbourne!  Getting so excited!

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, JazzyV said:

Some pictures from Melbourne (2006, Statendam). We spent most of the day at a Wildlife Park.

Approaching Melbourne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ballarat/Sovereign Hill Gold Mining Town

 

 

Old Gold Mine

 

Redcoat Soldiers

 

Ballarat is know for cast iron building decoration

 

Memorial to the bandsmen of HMS Titanic

 

Statendam in Melbourne

 

Melbourne Harbor with HMAS Ballarat

 

 

Great photos Vanessa.

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, Dailyites.  I commiserate with those having tummy troubles!  I'm still having to eat really bland food, which Pat finds boring, and the only problem is that I'm due for a colonoscopy on Friday, and my doctor said to let  the GI doctor know if it is continuing, as they may want to postpone.  I dread the prep!  Today we are going to Canadian Tire to look for a shoebox-sized container for all the masks we have accumulated, so I can store them away for a future day.  

 

I've only visited Australia once, and the visit didn't include Melbourne.  We took the train from Sydney to Perth, flew to Cairns, then train back down to Sydney.  It's a fascinating country.  I would love to do a round trip there by cruise, I don't ever want to fly again, except maybe really short distances!

 

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning everyone and Happy Saturday from a chilly, rainy Tucson. It’s been drizzling/raining all morning. I stayed up late last night watching Christmas movies on Netflix. 
 

I’m not going out today so I won’t visit a small business. Craig is going to Total Wine so that doesn’t count either. 
 

I like stuffed peppers and haven’t made them in a long time. Not sure if I’d like a vegan version. 
 

Now that Thanksgiving is over I’m getting nervous about my upcoming cataract surgeries. I knew I’d have to start prepping soon so pulled out my paperwork and I start the drops on Monday. I was supposed to pay the extra fee for the specialty lenses one week before but that didn’t happen, I’ll have to call them Monday. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

[kazu]

3 hours ago, ger_77 said:

On another positive note, I went online to check the results of his CT scan and everything is fine.  There are no abnormalities detected, and it does look like the blood thinner is the culprit causing his issues.  Yay!!

 

that is great news Gerry 👍 and I’m sure a relief.

 

 

@StLouisCruisers so sorry to hear about your upset tummy - I hope you are feeling better soon 🤞 

 

@marshhawk I hope you are feeling better soon, too and can eat much better 🤞 

 

[RedneckBob]

3 hours ago, RedneckBob said:

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors.

 

I heard National Maize Day is an amazing day! 😀

I guess what I posted was corny!