The Fleet Report and Daily for Monday, December 25th, 2023

[aliaschief]

Good morning and Merry Christmas! @ger_77 Happy Birthday. 🎂

 We had an enjoyable Christmas Eve and enjoyed our traditional French Meat Pie followed by Grasshopper Pie. Hopefully we brought some Holiday Joy to our guest who had lost her brother the day before. Dear SIL the twin has made it to Atlanta and her 45 minute flight to here is showing on time around 11 AM.

Our meal of the day is going to be a Honey Glazed Ham with delicious sides and desserts. I’m in charge of blow torching the glaze.

We got through the night’s storms unscathed and rain will soon be passing. Actually had to remove my red Christmas sweater as temps are rising to 72 degrees.

From our family we hope your day is Blessed with memories, Joy, and of course wine. Merry Christmas. Bruce

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by aliaschief

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

It was a long and rough night but worth it.

 

 

It appears someone had too many cookies and milk last nite and boarded the ship with excess baggage! 😀

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

@ger_77  Gerry, I hope you have a wonderful birthday today with your family while you also celebrate Christmas.

 

 

Lenda

[St Pete Cruiser]

Merry Christmas from the Zaandam in Barbados. 

We wish everyone peace and good health, the same as the Captain said in his message for Christmas Eve. Wonderful crew show last night. 

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning.

I am feeling slightly better in that my digestive problems are over.

However, the sore throat, etc. remain.

 

However I will still make Christmas Dinner for DH and myself.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

 

 

[Cruzin Terri]

@ger_77

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Enjoy this day.

[smitty34877]

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. It is a balmy 42 here and we just had Swedish pancakes for breakfast. Last night our smorgasbord was great with little left in the way of leftovers. Today will be a turkey dinner.

A very Happy Birthday to @ger_77!

 

 

[RMLincoln]

Good Christmas to all celebrating   🎄.  Peace and good health to everyone. 
 

Happy Birthday Gerry!  🎂.  May your new circle around the sun be inspiring!  
 

Yesterday I made Panettone for this morning. I got lights out on the balcony railing. Finally!  We had a lovely special menu mid-day dinner in the dining room, and I had excellent phone visits with several single and recently widowed loved ones.
 

DH was too miserable to join me at the chapel service last night for candles and carols. He’d have really liked it with the organ and string quartet!  But he is suffering more than I can bear. I kinda lost it last night, beside myself that I can’t do anything to help him. The itching reaction to the eye drops sometimes flares up into swollen eye lids and oozy eyes. And the eye drops burn so badly I just can’t do it. I was ready to take him to the hospital for anything they could do.  Deep breath today!  New day. We’ll get through it. 
 

Today the special menu is prime rib or Maryland crab cake plus lots of other good selections. I’m very impressed with the broad menu selections here!   We have Christmas stockings of chocolates to dive into and several cards under the 2ft fiber optic tree to open, and a couple of presents from thoughtful friends and family. And I hope to connect with calls to some family. I’ll bounce between the football games and others- probably hallmark movies and the weather channel to see how everyone is faring. I’m behind on everything else. 
 

I don’t have a Christmas recipe to share but childhood memories include Turkey with Italian stuffing- made with ground Genoa salami and sharp aged provolone. My sister and I would grind the bread, meat and cheese in a big, old fashioned hand grinder that was pressure screwed to the kitchen table edge. The stuffing was mixed with lots of eggs, pepper, thyme and parsley snips from the kitchen plant. For desserts we’d have mincemeat pie, pecan pie or Yorkshire pudding with hard sauce. We never had brandy in the house so we’d add a spoonful of whiskey. 
 

St Kitts is very beautiful. I’d love to float there now!  I feel like I could use a vacation but that’s not to be. Tomorrow we are scheduled for a signing of closing documents for our Maryland condo. 
 

Blessings to all in need of comfort, hope and healing!  Special hugs to those with a heavy heart…. everyone misses someone!  
 

Smooth travels to those away, May you enjoy being away and get home safe!  

One of the many elaborate trees in our complex. This one is outside the dining room of our “clubhouse”.  There are 3 clubhouses or neighborhood centers, and a dozen trees and other holiday displays- most secular, but also Christian antiviral and Jewish menorahs, plus many people decorate their doorways and their individual door shelf areas. It’s uplifting!  I need it!  Thanks for being here! 
Maureen 
 

Edited December 25, 2023 by RMLincoln

[grapau27]

29 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good morning.

I am feeling slightly better in that my digestive problems are over.

However, the sore throat, etc. remain.

 

However I will still make Christmas Dinner for DH and myself.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

 

 

Gargle with warm salty water is my doctor's recommendation for sore throats Terri.

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

We hope all who celebrate Christmas have a wonderful day.  For those who do not celebrate Christmas, we hope your day is equally wonderful no matter how you spend the day.

 

Again today, we'll enjoy the company of our DD and DSIL.  Having them here is the best present we could have.  It is currently sunny and 40F with a 2mph breeze.  The predicted high will be 60F, but if the wind stays calm, it should be nice in the sun.

 

There will not be pumpkin pie for dinner, but more of our traditional chocolate pie and pecan pie.  We had our Christmas ham dinner Saturday so there was enough time to eat most of the big ham.  Tonight, we'll grill steaks and have scalloped potatoes, more green bean casserole, salad and wine.  

 

This is one J. K. Rowling quote I'm not sure I like.  I did enjoy reading the Harry Potter series.

 

One of the dishes we usually have at Christmas is Broccoli-Onion casserole.  I found the recipe many, many years ago in a cookbook of make ahead recipes.  We'll pass on the drink, but I would like to try the wine.

 

We were in St. Kitts in 1999 on Noordam III.  That means all my pictures are in an album in Texas.  We had planned to take a shore excursion to ride the sugar train, but the train was not running that day.  Instead, we rented a car and drove around the island.

 

Most of the world will celebrate the introduction of the Centigrade temperature scale in 1741 by Anders Celsius.

People have enjoyed "Stars and Stripes Forever"  since 1896 when John Philip Souza wrote the piece.  I always enjoy it as the finale to the Boston Pops July 4 concert.

 

@seagarsmoker  I'm glad you are enjoying the cruise, and still doing well in the casino.

@cat shepard  Ann, it sounds like you are having a wonderful visit with your family.  Safe travels home tomorrow.

@JazzyV  Vanessa, I hope you and your BFF have a nice relaxing day.  I'm glad he is cooking dinner for you both tonight.

@marshhawk  Annie, I hope you have a nice dinner with your neighbor at the Chinese restaurant.  You are a bright part of our day.  ((((HUGS))))

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, I'm glad your tummy issues are over, and you feel a little better.  I hope the sore throat  and other symptoms disappear soon.

@RMLincoln Maureen, I'm glad you seem to be acclimating to your new community.  I'm sorry your DH is having so many problems with his eyes.  I hope the surgery will alleviate the problems and the need for the drops.

 

This is the last batch of Christmas means, except on or two about the day after.  The rest I found, I'll save for next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to all the Dailyites whether you post daily, occasionally or just the Daily for making this such a special place everyday.

 

Lenda

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[cruising sister]

Merry Christmas,

I just got back from DS after spending the night and watching the grands open gifts. I brought Molly with me and she was very upset the whole time. She knows things are a brewing. 
 

Happy birthday @ger_77 this is a tough day for a birthday. Birthdays around a holiday are always a challenge. 
 

DS will come over tomorrow and help take down the few decorations I put up. I  have a few appointments this week and need to finalize packing. I asked DS and DDIL how they felt about my going on such a long cruise. They said they were excited and felt good I was on a cruise for safety reasons. Then they listed off the vacations they would not feel good about! I did ask. 
 

I see a nap today before I go out to dinner with a friend. Everyone have a great day. 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

This is the recipe I mentioned in my earlier post.  I believe the cookbook I found the recipe in was Better Homes and Gardens Make Ahead cookbook.  I found this recipe 30 to 40 years ago, if not longer.

 

BROCCOLI-ONION DELUXE

 

1 lb. fresh broccoli or 1 10 oz. pkg. frozen cut broccoli

2 c frozen whole small onions or 3 med onions, quartered

4 T butter                                                 2 T flour

1 c milk                                                    3 oz. cream cheese

1 oz. sharp cheese, shredded                1 c bread crumbs

 

Advance preparation:  Slit fresh broccoli spears lengthwise; cut into 1 inch pieces.  Cook in boiling, salted water till tender. Or cook frozen broccoli according to package directions.  Drain.  Cook onions in boiling, salted water till tender; drain. If frozen, follow package directions.

 

In saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter; blend in flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and dash pepper.  Add milk; cook and stir till thick and bubbly.  Reduce heat; blend in cream cheese till smooth.  Place vegetables in 1½ quart  casserole.  Pour sauce over; mix lightly.  Top with cheese; cover and chill.  Melt remaining butter; toss with crumbs.  Cover; chill.

 

Before serving:  Bake casserole, covered, at 350^oF for 30 minutes.  Sprinkle crumbs around edge or over the entire top if desired; bake uncovered, till heated through, about 30 minutes more.

[dfish]

5 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

This is the recipe I mentioned in my earlier post.  I believe the cookbook I found the recipe in was Better Homes and Gardens Make Ahead cookbook.  I found this recipe 30 to 40 years ago, if not longer.

 

BROCCOLI-ONION DELUXE

 

1 lb. fresh broccoli or 1 10 oz. pkg. frozen cut broccoli

2 c frozen whole small onions or 3 med onions, quartered

4 T butter                                                 2 T flour

1 c milk                                                    3 oz. cream cheese

1 oz. sharp cheese, shredded                1 c bread crumbs

 

Advance preparation:  Slit fresh broccoli spears lengthwise; cut into 1 inch pieces.  Cook in boiling, salted water till tender. Or cook frozen broccoli according to package directions.  Drain.  Cook onions in boiling, salted water till tender; drain. If frozen, follow package directions.

 

In saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter; blend in flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and dash pepper.  Add milk; cook and stir till thick and bubbly.  Reduce heat; blend in cream cheese till smooth.  Place vegetables in 1½ quart  casserole.  Pour sauce over; mix lightly.  Top with cheese; cover and chill.  Melt remaining butter; toss with crumbs.  Cover; chill.

 

Before serving:  Bake casserole, covered, at 350^oF for 30 minutes.  Sprinkle crumbs around edge or over the entire top if desired; bake uncovered, till heated through, about 30 minutes more.

 

That sounds really good!

[Cruzin Terri]

16 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Gargle with warm salty water is my doctor's recommendation for sore throats Terri.

 

Thank you Dr. Graham.  😀 Terri

[luvteaching]

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! 

 

I think I'm ready for the day. DS and DDIL will be over when I let them know I'm up and moving. They come in their jammies and we'll have a relaxing morning opening gifts. They'll head home to have a bit of a break and then be back for dinner. They're supplying appetizers including shrimp, BLT's and stuffed mushrooms. Dinner tonight is a spiral ham (thanks Costco), cheesy scalloped potatoes, honey ginger carrots, and fresh homemade rolls. Cookies are dessert. 

 

@ger_77 Happy Birthday!

 

Tomorrow, which is Boxing Day in Canada, I'll head up and spend a few hours with my god-adults (can't call them godchildren anymore as they are 35 and above). That will be fun. 

 

Have a wonderful day everyone! 

Karen

[marshhawk]

@Quartzsite Cruiser Do you think I could use non frozen onions?  I'm hoping.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

36 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

Merry Christmas,

I just got back from DS after spending the night and watching the grands open gifts. I brought Molly with me and she was very upset the whole time. She knows things are a brewing. 
 

Happy birthday @ger_77 this is a tough day for a birthday. Birthdays around a holiday are always a challenge. 
 

DS will come over tomorrow and help take down the few decorations I put up. I  have a few appointments this week and need to finalize packing. I asked DS and DDIL how they felt about my going on such a long cruise. They said they were excited and felt good I was on a cruise for safety reasons. Then they listed off the vacations they would not feel good about! I did ask. 
 

I see a nap today before I go out to dinner with a friend. Everyone have a great day. 

 

Lorraine, I'm happy your had a good time with your DS, DDIL and DGCs last night and this morning.  Enjoy dinner with your friend.

 

28 minutes ago, dfish said:

 

That sounds really good!

 

Debbie, it is, and it's been a Christmas favorite for many years.

 

4 minutes ago, luvteaching said:

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! 

 

I think I'm ready for the day. DS and DDIL will be over when I let them know I'm up and moving. They come in their jammies and we'll have a relaxing morning opening gifts. They'll head home to have a bit of a break and then be back for dinner. They're supplying appetizers including shrimp, BLT's and stuffed mushrooms. Dinner tonight is a spiral ham (thanks Costco), cheesy scalloped potatoes, honey ginger carrots, and fresh homemade rolls. Cookies are dessert. 

 

@ger_77 Happy Birthday!

 

Tomorrow, which is Boxing Day in Canada, I'll head up and spend a few hours with my god-adults (can't call them godchildren anymore as they are 35 and above). That will be fun. 

 

Have a wonderful day everyone! 

Karen

 

Karen, I hope you and your family have a wonderful day.  Safe travels tomorrow for the Boxing Day visit.

 

1 minute ago, marshhawk said:

@Quartzsite Cruiser Do you think I could use non frozen onions?  I'm hoping.

 

Annie, frozen pearl onions work as well as the fresh ones. They are a bit easier to use.  The main thing is to make sure the broccoli and onions are cooked before assembling the casserole.

 

Lenda

 

 

[durangoscots]

40 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Thank you Dr. Graham.  😀 Terri

Terri, sorry you have the sore throat. I was told to use whiskey rather than salt water. 😁

[Cruzin Terri]

3 minutes ago, durangoscots said:

Terri, sorry you have the sore throat. I was told to use whiskey rather than salt water. 😁

Sounds like a plan. 😆

[Overhead Fred]

 

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by Overhead Fred

[grapau27]

Pauline made a wonderful Christmas lunch for us.

[ottahand7]

@ger_77  Happy Birthday!!  

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who celebrate!

I would love some pumpkin pie.  I don't have a favorite dish on Christmas, we always have something different each year. Today I'll be making pork chops for DH and me.   The drink sounds good, will pass on the red wine.  Haven't been to this port.

 

We celebrated our Christmas last week with the family at DD's house so DH and I could isolate before the cruise.  We had a wonderful day!  Today will be another quiet day of cruise prep.  Getting so excited!

 

DDIL, DS and me

 

The whole family

 

Sadly I just saw an aid truck take a neighbor away -- what a way to start Christmas.  I think he's a cancer patient and may have other problems as well.  I know the aid trucks come more and more often to that house.  The family is dysfunctional with lots of other problems, none of us know them. 😞  

 

Gerry @ger_77 Happy Birthday!!

@Cruzin Terri I'm glad your tummy issues are over, and hope you feel much better soon.

Vanessa @JazzyV Four hours is an improvement, prayers for much, much more improvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruising sister]

31 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Pauline made a wonderful Christmas lunch for us.

She put in a lot  of work and love into that meal!