The Fleet Report and Daily for Monday, January 1st, 2024 - Happy New Year!

[ger_77]

@Quartzsite Cruiser   Got it!   LOL

[Haljo1935]

Happy New Year! 🥳🥂

Pass on the meal, maybe the drink and wine, not been to the port.

Since I haven't been to today's port, I'll share a picture from Grand Turks Feb 10, 2023 - a little preview for our friends on the NA and Rotterdam.

East of Hawaii 

Bow Cam view 

Aft Cam view 

Weather

Prayers and positive thoughts for all!

Edited January 1 by Haljo1935
Typo

[P&PNH]

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Wishing all who contribute to this board, and mostly silent readers like myself, a healthy, happy, and joyous new year.  May this be a year of healing for all who need it, and continued good health for others.

  

[rafinmd]

Thinking of this community I've also seen on a occasion people who have never actually posted to Cruise Critic who take the time to hit "like" or "thanks" at times.  Thank you to you as well.

 

Roy

[Haljo1935]

Happy Anniversary @Cat in my lap

[Haljo1935]

@StLouisCruisers I think your offerings for Today in History are good ones 😊

[Himself]

Happy New Year Dailyites!  Jacqui, thanks for the Fleet report.

[Vict0riann]

Happy New Year to all rabbits, and all the  Dailyites!  I don't know what we will eat today, and although we don't have sweet potatoes in the house, I did send the recipe to DD, as she has the air fryer in the garage.  I have only been in Tokyo airport, but my parents honeymooned in Japan.   I am hoping that the earthquakes in Japan do not foreshadow activity in all the Ring of Fire.  We have had a few minor earthquakes around here in the past few weeks.  

 

 

[rafinmd]

In 2006 I had a cruise on Blount's smallest ship, the Niagara Prince, from Rhode Island to Lake Champlain.  We docked at a marina a stone's throw from Ground Zero and I took the opportunity on our day there to visit Ellis Island.  Here are a few photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roy

[bennybear]

Rabbit rabbit rabbit!  
happy new year!  We were able to see a lot of fireworks without leaving home.  

 

 

happy anniversary @Cat in my lap

Osaka is an interesting port,   You can maybe  see the Westie in the background.  Check out the castle and the modern buildings! Or the aquarium.  We had stayed in Kyoto for five nights prior to the cruise so I’ll do a separate post. 
 

Edited January 1 by bennybear

[bennybear]

Highly recommend staying in Kyoto for a few days, so much to experience.   Understand Tony’s difficulty selecting photos.  We absolutely loved it.  We stayed in a converted Machiya, a former shop in the older Center of Kyoto near the temples.  It was magical at night,  we slept on tatami mats on heated floors, with a beautiful rock shower and little garden.  

 

 

some of the sights! 

 

[dfish]

2 hours ago, mamaofami said:

Rabbit rabbit rabbit. Good morning everyone and Happy Healthy and peace filled  New Year. I watched the ball come down in NYC with my friend that I’ve done this with for at least 58 years but our tvs weren’t in sync. She was about 20 seconds behind me. Strange. 
Today our family is meeting to celebrate Sam’s  birth day which is actually tomorrow but it’s a work and school day. 
Stay well and safe everyone.

 

Happy Birthday to Sam!   Glad to hear from  you, Carol, and happy that all is going well for you.  

 

2 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Good morning from San Diego,

We had about 17 people stop by from our roll call at the Wyndham. Some stayed to talk and othered just said hi. I met Susan and Caron and we are going in the hop on and hop off bus today. It is a bit chilly and I am glad I grabbed that jacket. 
 

I thought I heard sea gulls honking since we are on the water here but soon realized they were noise makers!  It really wasn’t bad and I went right back to sleep. 
 

Everyone have a great New Years Day!

 

I'm glad you connected with Susan and Caron.  You'll have a great time with them!  You have a good group of Dailyites on this cruise and that will help set the tone and routine.  Enjoy!

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser I guess I can live without the game.  The chicken wings are in the oven and they are smelling really good.  They have a few more bastings with barbecue sauce before they are done.

 

I have to wear a hernia belt for the next few weeks.  They sent me home from the hospital in one, but that one had stains from the disinfectant and blood from all my wounds.  I counted 7 stab wounds to my abdomen.  So, I washed out the one they gave me and it is drying now.  I have one of my own that I got before the surgery.  I will be happy when I don't have to wear it as it is scratchy and uncomfortable.  The reason for wearing it is to give stability to the repaired hernia location and to prevent the formation of a seroma - a fluid filled sac that would be as unsightly as the original hernia.  

 

I am happy to report that the swelling and bloat are greatly diminished today.  There is still some soreness and tenderness, but it is also greatly diminished.  I am almost back to normal!  

 

@VMax1700 Glad you stopped in and I hope you do check in regularly!

 

 

[aliaschief]

This 4.2 lb. Canadian female lobster photo did not print earlier. She was humanely disposed of and was delicious.

[St Pete Cruiser]

Happy New Year everyone from the Zaandam in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We are the only ship again in Port, a treat. I was last here in 2018 on the Veendam's Cuba cruise. Remember those? We did Havana and Ceinfuegos. 

This is our last "city port" as we finish Wednesday with Half Moon Cay.

Last night, the New Years Eve extravaganza was superb:

A. Classic Duo Beethoven Cello Concerto.

B. Happy Hour Crow's Nest with new friends 

C. Gala Gold New Years Eve dinner in the MDR with Handara and Agusteyar, our regular servers. I had shrimp cocktail, escargot, 2 lobsters (I don't eat red meat), strawberries in Grand Mariner.

D. Tenna Torren singing classy songs including LA Vie enRose.20231231_210657.heic

E. Ocean Bar band played with soloist at Lido poolside until midnight countdown. 

Complimentary champagne and the horn tooted repeatedly with the roof open at midnight. Most officers were present. MOST of the guests were well dressed and many in their glitzy best!

Some excellent dancers, some just having fun and a good time was had by all.

I wore my little Prinsendam pin on my jacket lapel and had so many wonderful comments from guests and crew.

Holland America Line knows how to do New Years Eve!

 

 

20231231_235956.heic 20231231_235735.heic 20231231_085816.heic

[Seasick Sailor]

Beautiful toots from Rotterdam and Amsterdam!! 

[Crazy For Cats]

I found this bloom in our yard.  I think the warm weather has it confused. 

 

I like this splash of color in the yard.

[StLouisCruisers]

4 hours ago, tjcox9 said:

Interesting that the Polar Plunge was done in the pool. The two times we were on the Quest (holidays 2019/20 and January 2023), it was a true Polar Plunge and there were more participants than I would have imagined. And, btw, we were on the Zaandam in that photo you posted!! Can you tell, we love Antarctica?

 

We mailed post cards from the Chilean base you showed yesterday on January 1, 2020. The postcard arrived in the states in October!!

 

Wow, and we thought our post offices were slow here!  That's a long time to wait for a postcard even during the height of Covid!  Glad to hear I captured some photos of the Zaandam while you were on it (with Boris Federer).  LOL!  Interesting the Polar Plunge was in the actual sea!  It's a long way back up to the hot tub from that aft platform, which is what I assume they used.  I know you must have enjoyed the Quest as much as we have.  Thanks for the comments.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Jacqui @kazu have agreed to a slight change to the Fleet Report and Daily.  For most days she will post the Fleet locations without the maps and I will add the maps a little later.  She contributes so much to cruise critic I think this will be a positive.

 

Roy

 

Thanks for offering to help out with the maps for Jacqui.  I agree she has plenty to do already!

 

 

 

4 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

@StLouisCruisers  Thanks again for your wonderful pictures of Antarctica.   And I love the Candy Tree, so clever and pretty.  Thanks to your DD for sharing it with us.

 

You're welcome Melanie!  DD keeps life interesting.  She will be glad to hear you enjoyed it.  Happy New Year to you, your DH and Bertie Woofster!🎉

 

 

 

4 hours ago, kazu said:

 

Very pretty and tempting. 🙂. I’m sure the tree will chase away the winter doldrums but I’m wondering how long some of the decorations will last 😉 

 

 

 

 

 

A belated very happy birthday wish to Pat on her 60th!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Roy for your very kind offer.  Your maps are better than mine.  I can get one ship named on cruise mapper at a time.  I even downloaded the app which was useless BTW.  Many thanks for you help ♥️ 

 

Thank you Jacqui.  I'm hoping the decorations last for decades, and they might since Sadie and Milo aren't allowed in the front rooms.  DD has two little gates to keep them out. Whenever they have been allowed in for a while, they've always left the tree alone totally.  Good girl!  Good boy!

 

 

 

3 hours ago, tupper10 said:

Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit.

 

@Cat in my lap Happy Anniversary.  

 

I did my usual last night - in bed by around 11 and this time I didn't bother with turning on the TV and trying to make it to midnight.  I still have the cold courtesy of my GK's and it looks like DH is now going to be sick with it as well. My brother and SIL and nieces and DH and grandnieces and nephew are all visiting but they are all staying at my mother's house. So far we haven't been able to see them. I will try and visit tomorrow with a mask on and outside.    I know they don't want to get sick and given that my mother is 94 we have to be very careful around her.  

 

@St Louis Cruiser Love the pictures and your daughter is so creative.  

 

It sounds like everyone is having a good time on their cruises and so many are getting ready to cruise soon. I can't wait to follow the blogs of the people on the Grand Australia cruise - and the world cruise.  It is so much fun to travel along with you.

 

Sending healing thoughts to all who are hurting.

 

@kazu  Thank you for doing the daily and to all others who post every day. It makes this place so special.  

 

 

 

Thanks for your comments Debbie.  I'm sorry to hear you still have the cold, and your DH is getting it too.  Nice of you to protect the relatives with a mask on and outdoors, too.  Get well soon.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, ocean sounds said:

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit, and a Very Happy New Year to you!  
 

It’s a mild morning, with a passing rain shower.  The dogs did not like the noise of the fireworks, and cuddled (hid) under blankets last night.  They woke me bright and early at 4:30 this morning - I sure hope that is NOT their 2024 Resolution 😂.

 

I love the idea of air fryer sweet potatoes @0106, and will definitely try them this  week.  I like to cut them open, andsprinkle a little brown sugar and cinnamon inside.  Yum!

 

Love, love, love your Daughter’s Candyland tree, @StLouisCruisers !  It makes me smile to see to see the photo.  

 

@JazzyV, I love the meme you posted!
 

As always, wishing for Health, Healing, Happiness, Blessings and a full life to each of you in 2024.   

 

Thank you for your mention of DD's Candyland tree.  I'm so glad it made you smile, always a good thing!

[57redbird]

1 hour ago, dfish said:

 

Happy Birthday to Sam!   Glad to hear from  you, Carol, and happy that all is going well for you.  

 

 

I'm glad you connected with Susan and Caron.  You'll have a great time with them!  You have a good group of Dailyites on this cruise and that will help set the tone and routine.  Enjoy!

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser I guess I can live without the game.  The chicken wings are in the oven and they are smelling really good.  They have a few more bastings with barbecue sauce before they are done.

 

I have to wear a hernia belt for the next few weeks.  They sent me home from the hospital in one, but that one had stains from the disinfectant and blood from all my wounds.  I counted 7 stab wounds to my abdomen.  So, I washed out the one they gave me and it is drying now.  I have one of my own that I got before the surgery.  I will be happy when I don't have to wear it as it is scratchy and uncomfortable.  The reason for wearing it is to give stability to the repaired hernia location and to prevent the formation of a seroma - a fluid filled sac that would be as unsightly as the original hernia.  

 

I am happy to report that the swelling and bloat are greatly diminished today.  There is still some soreness and tenderness, but it is also greatly diminished.  I am almost back to normal!  

 

@VMax1700 Glad you stopped in and I hope you do check in regularly!

 

 

Put a thin t-shirt or tank top between you & the belt.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Almost all the little decorative pieces are pack away for another year.  I've also begun taking the ornaments off the tree.  Once that's done, I'll get the flags changed from Christmas to the US and Texas flags.  Of course, the UT flag will remain flying from the flagpole.  Then, there are five strings of lights to put away pulse the remote switches and extension cords.  I hope it warms up by then and there is not as much wind.

 

2 hours ago, ger_77 said:

@Quartzsite Cruiser   Got it!   LOL

 

Gerry, I'm happy you got it.  It took me awhile to get it when I first saw the meme.  I had to explain it to DH.

 

1 hour ago, Vict0riann said:

Happy New Year to all rabbits, and all the  Dailyites!  I don't know what we will eat today, and although we don't have sweet potatoes in the house, I did send the recipe to DD, as she has the air fryer in the garage.  I have only been in Tokyo airport, but my parents honeymooned in Japan.   I am hoping that the earthquakes in Japan do not foreshadow activity in all the Ring of Fire.  We have had a few minor earthquakes around here in the past few weeks.  

 

 

 

Ann, I also hope the earthquake in Japan does not set others off.  I hope everyone there had enough warning about the tsunami to get to higher ground.

 

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

In 2006 I had a cruise on Blount's smallest ship, the Niagara Prince, from Rhode Island to Lake Champlain.  We docked at a marina a stone's throw from Ground Zero and I took the opportunity on our day there to visit Ellis Island.  Here are a few photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roy

 

Roy, thanks for the pictures from Ellis Island.  Even when we lived in NJ we never made it there.  We had planned to go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the two cruises in 2023 and 2024 that we had to cancel.

 

59 minutes ago, bennybear said:

Highly recommend staying in Kyoto for a few days, so much to experience.   Understand Tony’s difficulty selecting photos.  We absolutely loved it.  We stayed in a converted Machiya, a former shop in the older Center of Kyoto near the temples.  It was magical at night,  we slept on tatami mats on heated floors, with a beautiful rock shower and little garden.  

 

 

some of the sights! 

 

 

Brenda, thanks for you pictures from Osaka and Kyoto.

 

56 minutes ago, dfish said:

 

 

@Quartzsite Cruiser I guess I can live without the game.  The chicken wings are in the oven and they are smelling really good.  They have a few more bastings with barbecue sauce before they are done.

 

I have to wear a hernia belt for the next few weeks.  They sent me home from the hospital in one, but that one had stains from the disinfectant and blood from all my wounds.  I counted 7 stab wounds to my abdomen.  So, I washed out the one they gave me and it is drying now.  I have one of my own that I got before the surgery.  I will be happy when I don't have to wear it as it is scratchy and uncomfortable.  The reason for wearing it is to give stability to the repaired hernia location and to prevent the formation of a seroma - a fluid filled sac that would be as unsightly as the original hernia.  

 

I am happy to report that the swelling and bloat are greatly diminished today.  There is still some soreness and tenderness, but it is also greatly diminished.  I am almost back to normal!  

 

@VMax1700 Glad you stopped in and I hope you do check in regularly!

 

 

 

Debbie, I'm glad the swelling and soreness are greatly diminished.  DH had to wear a back brace for a month before his surgeries and for two months afterwards.  Besides being scratchy and itchy, it would also stick him in the side at times.  He found wearing a t-shirt under the brace helped, and it might help with the hernia belt.

 

17 minutes ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Happy New Year everyone from the Zaandam in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We are the only ship again in Port, a treat. I was last here in 2018 on the Veendam's Cuba cruise. Remember those? We did Havana and Ceinfuegos. 

This is our last "city port" as we finish Wednesday with Half Moon Cay.

Last night, the New Years Eve extravaganza was superb:

A. Classic Duo Beethoven Cello Concerto.

B. Happy Hour Crow's Nest with new friends 

C. Gala Gold New Years Eve dinner in the MDR with Handara and Agusteyar, our regular servers. I had shrimp cocktail, escargot, 2 lobsters (I don't eat red meat), strawberries in Grand Mariner.

D. Tenna Torren singing classy songs including LA Vie enRose. 20231231_210657.heic 231.6 kB · 1 download

E. Ocean Bar band played with soloist at Lido poolside until midnight countdown. 

Complimentary champagne and the horn tooted repeatedly with the roof open at midnight. Most officers were present. MOST of the guests were well dressed and many in their glitzy best!

Some excellent dancers, some just having fun and a good time was had by all.

I wore my little Prinsendam pin on my jacket lapel and had so many wonderful comments from guests and crew.

Holland America Line knows how to do New Years Eve!

 

 

20231231_235956.heic 171.59 kB · 1 download 20231231_235735.heic 1.02 MB · 3 downloads 20231231_085816.heic 379.27 kB · 1 download

 

Glad the New Year was tooted in with still.  It's good to know most of the passengers dressed appropriately.

 

Lenda

[ger_77]

25 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Wow, and we thought our post offices were slow here!  That's a long time to wait for a postcard even during the height of Covid! 

 

Funny you should mention slow post offices . . . our youngest DGS celebrated his 4th birthday on December 8th.  I mailed a card around the 20th of November to ensure it would actually arrive for his birthday.  DS sent a photo of him opening it yesterday.  Seriously?!?  I could have walked it to Calgary and back in that time - and I'm not a fast walker!  Thankfully I sent his birthday gift by courier rather than depending on  Canada Post to get it there on time.  They burned me twice last year when I sent the boys their birthday gifts, only to have them arrive many days past the celebration day.  They did refund the cost of the postage, but still . . . .

 

BTW, I like the idea of the goodie tree . . . yum!  Your DS must have a plethora of different ornaments for the different seasons/occasions.

 

Hope everyone is having a great afternoon!

[superoma]

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

RABBIT  🐰  RABBIT  🐰  WHITE RABBIT!  🐇

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Good morning from a mostly cloudy Quartzsite.  At 8:55 am it was 43F with a 1mph wind.  Our high today will be 62F.  BTW, we stayed up until a little after midnight, and toasted the New Year with the last of the Prosecco.  We also said rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit before wishing each other Happy New Year.  There were some fireworks in the neighborhood, but the stopped sometime between 8 and 9 last night.  Today while watching the Rose Parade and probably some afternoon bowl games, I'll be putting away the Christmas decorations and taking the tree down.  I hope to also get to the outside lights later this afternoon.

 

Ellis Island was very important in US history as that was the first place most immigrants first stepped foot on US soil.  The Euro definitely made visiting Europe easier.  We first went to Europe in September 2001, and had to exchange money when the ship changed countries.  We were back in Europe in April 2002, and the Euro was the currency by then.  I think I'll let DH be the first one to step out and back into the house, because after the last couple of years, he needs good luck even more than I do.

 

I like the George R. R Martin quote.  Even though we need our sleep, without books the world would not be as open to us.

 

We'll skip the meal today, but we've had roasted sweet potatoes as a side dish along with air fryer sweet potato fries.  We'll pass on the drink, but the sparkling wine would be nice to try if it wasn't a tad bit expensive.

 

We have been to Osaka twice in 2000 and 2002.  The first time we disembarked the old Regal Princess and spent the day in a banquet room of a local hotel before going to the airport.  The second time we were there on Volendam's APEC cruise.

 

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, the days your picks for days in history are good and were changes for the better.  The celebration tree is lovely.  Thanks for the pictures of Antarctica.

@ottahand7  Safe travels to Ft. Lauderdale today.  I would also like to read how your cruise is going.

@rafinmd  Roy, thank you for stepping up and providing us with the maps of the ship locations.

@grapau27  Graham, thank you for the explanations of the days.

@Denise T  Denise, that is good news that you're getting your blood sugar under control  Condolences on having to return to work tomorrow.   I'm sure you realize work is a four letter word. 

@dfish  Debbie, we usually don't watch too much football, but this year we've seen a lot of bowl games, and we will be watching the Sugar Bowl and cheering on Texas.  HOOKEM HORNS!  🤘

@kochleffel  Paul, I hope you are feeling better today, and that the emotional distress is easing.

@rafinmd  Roy, the train ride to the Copper Canyon was always on my father's bucket list, and something I've wanted to do, but haven't had the chance.

@marshhawk  Annie, I hope you enjoy the collard greens.  They are our favorite of all the greens.  Blackeyed peas were the traditional good luck food when I was growing up.  DSIL said that in Louisiana cabbage was eaten on NYD for good luck.  Tonight we'll be having a ham and cabbage dish along with blackeyed peas, doctored with Picante Sauce.

@VMax1700  Welcome back.  You have been missed, and we hope you will visit often.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, thanks for the New Year pictures.

@tupper10  I hope you are feeling better, but sorry your DH is getting a cold.  I know your family appreciates all the precautions you are taking to keep them well.

@mamaofami  Carol, please wish Sam an early HAPPY BIRTHDAY from us.

@cruising sister  Lorraine, I'm glad some of you got to meet last night.  I hope you, Susan and Caron enjoy the Ho-Ho, and that the weather cooperates.

@sailingdutchy  Tony, thanks for sharing your pictures of Osaka.

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, safe travels tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

Got it! Will try it on a few friends

[StLouisCruisers]

4 hours ago, mamaofami said:

Rabbit rabbit rabbit. Good morning everyone and Happy Healthy and peace filled  New Year. I watched the ball come down in NYC with my friend that I’ve done this with for at least 58 years but our tvs weren’t in sync. She was about 20 seconds behind me. Strange. 
Today our family is meeting to celebrate Sam’s  birth day which is actually tomorrow but it’s a work and school day. 
Stay well and safe everyone.

 

Happy early birthday wishes to Sam!  So nice to have the family come by to celebrate too.🎂

 

 

 

4 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Good morning from San Diego,

We had about 17 people stop by from our roll call at the Wyndham. Some stayed to talk and othered just said hi. I met Susan and Caron and we are going in the hop on and hop off bus today. It is a bit chilly and I am glad I grabbed that jacket. 
 

I thought I heard sea gulls honking since we are on the water here but soon realized they were noise makers!  It really wasn’t bad and I went right back to sleep. 
 

Everyone have a great New Years Day!

 

I hope you, Caron and Susan are having a great time today.  You must all be so excited!!

 

 

 

3 hours ago, RMLincoln said:

Happy anniversary @Cat in my lap! Ours is tomorrow..  each is a treasure,  never enough anniversaries!  

 

Maybe our most memorable anniversary was dinner on the Queen Mary after being at the Rose Parade, 2002!  Tomorrow it’ll be 31 years, not a given when you marry at 50 and 38. Every day is a good day to be happy!
 

I did Rabbits last night, I hope they remember!  
 

Grandkids joined us for dinner last night!  It is so great to be closer!  Dinner was special menu, as is brunch today. I got us a late reservation at 1:15, hopefully I’ll be ready to eat again!  
 

I’m working on my gratitude attitude!  2024 is a gift I never expected, and here we are together!  And living in such a  great place. 😇 

 

My NYE traditions have all gone away. Our favorite was watching the ball drop from the hot tub. It was DH’s ritual to set up the small TV on extension cord and cable cord on the porch so we could see it from the hot tub. Champagne in plastic flutes (no glass in the hot tub) and my pot lids to bang placed nearby!  Last night we shared the memories before we kissed goodnight at midnight. Nice!  

 

Great football games yesterday!!  Unless you’re an Eagles or Vikings fan…. Go Ravens!  We’re recording the Rose Parade, always a highlight for us. DH got  to go as a child and we jumped at the chance in 2002 for a Rose Parade RV Rally!  Before our first cruise!  
 

Prayers for our Cares list, each of you!  All our many travelers!  And peace for our world’s troubles. 
Maureen
 

[Annie, you asked about DH’s eye issues…. seems he’s allergic to his glaucoma meds. Has been on many kinds. Now on “preservative free” meds because that is apparently a common problem that develops but it doesn’t seem to have helped much. The surgeries planned for this year, starting Jan 23, are supposed to get him off the meds. In 2023 he had 2 surgeries to implant stents (drains to draw off the excess fluid and reduce the pressure) but he still needs the meds, so the next surgeries are the last best hope of getting him off the meds.  These are deeper and more complex surgeries. They’ll be fine at John’s-Hopkins in Maryland, the best! Follow-ups will be for a few months after each eye by a NJ doc trained by his surgeon at John’s Hopkins. We’re going down the path!  Grateful they are hopeful! Thanks for your caring thoughts!] 
 

 

 

Happy early anniversary wishes to you and DH!  Hope there are many more to come!

 

 

 

3 hours ago, luvteaching said:

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit, 

 

Happy New Year! Having a quiet morning so far and have the Rose Parade on. I haven't watched it in years so enjoying the floats especially. 

 

Nothing much planned for today. DS will be by later to put the tree in the shed and have a visit. A neighbor will be down for tea. I have lots to do around here so that's fine with me. 

 

@StLouisCruisersI love the Sweeties tree and am in awe of the stocking that's going to be done (and the ones in the background of the picture). It's sure nice to have the grid in color. I'm working on baby ones for great-nieces. We had 2 great nieces and a great granddaughter born in 4 months at the start of Covid (Feb, Mar and June) and the first one has her picture and I'm about 3/4 done for the second one. I worked on it when visiting DD DH in hospital and in care. Haven't touched it in a while but am determined to make time daily for it now. 

 

Happy Anniversary @Cat in my lap

 

Enjoy the first day of 2024! 

Karen

 

Karen, thank you for your comments on DD's tree.  I'm taking a few minutes from preparing the threads by placing on bobbin cards for future use.  Earlier I ironed the aida cloth, taped the edges to prevent raveling and placed it in the scroll frame that holds the fabric taut.  There is a pin marking the center so I can begin working there.  Also, the legend has so many icons that  they often use colors like blue, green and red in addition to black to take care of the different types of stitches, different amounts of threads used, and of course so many colors to choose from.  You really have to be on the ball every time you change thread colors to remember half stitch, cross stitch, etc.??  The baby samplers are nice to do.  I've made several of those and for both of a friend's babies.  Love the nursery themes with all the baby's statistics!  I hope you can get motivated to get back to work on your last project.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Happy New Year to everyone!

I was asleep by 10 last night, with the sound machine turned up full blast and a sleeping pill.  Still, I woke up at what must have been midnight when the fireworks (which started here around 3 yesterday afternoon) suddenly got VERY loud.  I just put the pillow over my head and turned over. 😅  We have a full 3 days ahead of us, I was determined to sleep last night. 🤣

 

DS will be here this afternoon to take us to our airport hotel, and tomorrow by noon we should be landing in San Diego.  Can't wait!!  It may be hard to keep up with everything happening with the Dailyites, but I plan to do my best. 🙂  

 

Sandi @StLouisCruisers I LOVE your DD's latest tree.  I think it's my favorite!

 

I wish a healthy, happy 2024 to everyone and maybe a cruise or 2 or 3.  🙂  

 

Carolyn, have a wonderful cruise, and safe travels to San Diego tomorrow.  I told DD you think this tree is your favorite and she was so pleased.  Thank you so much for saying that. 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

RABBIT  🐰  RABBIT  🐰  WHITE RABBIT!  🐇

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Good morning from a mostly cloudy Quartzsite.  At 8:55 am it was 43F with a 1mph wind.  Our high today will be 62F.  BTW, we stayed up until a little after midnight, and toasted the New Year with the last of the Prosecco.  We also said rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit before wishing each other Happy New Year.  There were some fireworks in the neighborhood, but the stopped sometime between 8 and 9 last night.  Today while watching the Rose Parade and probably some afternoon bowl games, I'll be putting away the Christmas decorations and taking the tree down.  I hope to also get to the outside lights later this afternoon.

 

Ellis Island was very important in US history as that was the first place most immigrants first stepped foot on US soil.  The Euro definitely made visiting Europe easier.  We first went to Europe in September 2001, and had to exchange money when the ship changed countries.  We were back in Europe in April 2002, and the Euro was the currency by then.  I think I'll let DH be the first one to step out and back into the house, because after the last couple of years, he needs good luck even more than I do.

 

I like the George R. R Martin quote.  Even though we need our sleep, without books the world would not be as open to us.

 

We'll skip the meal today, but we've had roasted sweet potatoes as a side dish along with air fryer sweet potato fries.  We'll pass on the drink, but the sparkling wine would be nice to try if it wasn't a tad bit expensive.

 

We have been to Osaka twice in 2000 and 2002.  The first time we disembarked the old Regal Princess and spent the day in a banquet room of a local hotel before going to the airport.  The second time we were there on Volendam's APEC cruise.

 

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, the days your picks for days in history are good and were changes for the better.  The celebration tree is lovely.  Thanks for the pictures of Antarctica.

@ottahand7  Safe travels to Ft. Lauderdale today.  I would also like to read how your cruise is going.

@rafinmd  Roy, thank you for stepping up and providing us with the maps of the ship locations.

@grapau27  Graham, thank you for the explanations of the days.

@Denise T  Denise, that is good news that you're getting your blood sugar under control  Condolences on having to return to work tomorrow.   I'm sure you realize work is a four letter word. 

@dfish  Debbie, we usually don't watch too much football, but this year we've seen a lot of bowl games, and we will be watching the Sugar Bowl and cheering on Texas.  HOOKEM HORNS!  🤘

@kochleffel  Paul, I hope you are feeling better today, and that the emotional distress is easing.

@rafinmd  Roy, the train ride to the Copper Canyon was always on my father's bucket list, and something I've wanted to do, but haven't had the chance.

@marshhawk  Annie, I hope you enjoy the collard greens.  They are our favorite of all the greens.  Blackeyed peas were the traditional good luck food when I was growing up.  DSIL said that in Louisiana cabbage was eaten on NYD for good luck.  Tonight we'll be having a ham and cabbage dish along with blackeyed peas, doctored with Picante Sauce.

@VMax1700  Welcome back.  You have been missed, and we hope you will visit often.

@Nickelpenny  Pennie, thanks for the New Year pictures.

@tupper10  I hope you are feeling better, but sorry your DH is getting a cold.  I know your family appreciates all the precautions you are taking to keep them well.

@mamaofami  Carol, please wish Sam an early HAPPY BIRTHDAY from us.

@cruising sister  Lorraine, I'm glad some of you got to meet last night.  I hope you, Susan and Caron enjoy the Ho-Ho, and that the weather cooperates.

@sailingdutchy  Tony, thanks for sharing your pictures of Osaka.

@Cruising-along  Carolyn, safe travels tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

 

Got it!!  The second half was hard but the old brain finally figured it out!  Thanks for that meme!  I'm glad you liked the photos today.  I've enjoyed yours and all the others of Osaka too.  (Tony, Brenda, ?  Hope I haven't forgotten some!)  I thought today's history facts were pretty good ones, too.  Every day there's something going on somewhere that can change the world.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily. Happy New Year!

I'll salute Ellis Island for it's former importance. Euros have made it easier traveling around Europe. First Foot day - around here they say the first person through your door after the new year should be a dark haired man, for good luck. Nice quote, as I get more books than sleep these days. I like roasted sweet potatoes. I'll pass on the drink, but take the wine. I have not been to Osaka.

 

It's 32F and there's snow on the roofs and grass, but the roads are clear. BFF and I managed to stay up until after the new year. Now the pork and sauerkraut is cooking in the slow cooker. I got my usual about 4 hours of sleep. My watch told me I had a new trend the last 2 weeks, with almost 4 hours of sleep rather than the 2.5 I'd been getting. No big plans. We'll watch the Rose Parade and just relax.

 

@Cat in my lap Happy Anniversary!

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for the days in history. Happy Birthday to your DD tomorrow! Love her tree. Great Antarctica Travelogue.

@ottahand7 Safe trip to FLL. Looking forward to your live from Eurodam!

@rafinmd Thanks for the maps.

@VMax1700 We hope to "see" you here more.

@tupper10 I hope you and DH are over the colds soon.

@sailingdutchy Wonderful photos, thanks.

@RMLincoln Prayers for a successful surgery for DH later this month.

 

Prayers for the Care List and for a Happy and Healthy 2024 for all! Cheers to those Celebrating.

 

Vanessa, I hope you and BFF are enjoying your New Year's Day celebration and dinner.  Impressive you made it up until after midnight!  DD appreciates everyone's comments and I've made sure to tell her.  The birthday girl is actually DDIL.  She will be 50 tomorrow but runs and works out and I've never seen her in better shape!  So happy you've enjoyed the travelogue.  There are several more days left as we shift to South Georgia Island, which was great too.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

@StLouisCruisers I think your offerings for Today in History are good ones 😊

 

Thank you!  The Emancipation Proclamation was major and I'm glad to help celebrate it.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Himself said:

Happy New Year Dailyites!  Jacqui, thanks for the Fleet report.

 

Happy New Year to you Father!  Always good to see you posting here.😇

 

 

 

33 minutes ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Happy New Year everyone from the Zaandam in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We are the only ship again in Port, a treat. I was last here in 2018 on the Veendam's Cuba cruise. Remember those? We did Havana and Ceinfuegos. 

This is our last "city port" as we finish Wednesday with Half Moon Cay.

Last night, the New Years Eve extravaganza was superb:

A. Classic Duo Beethoven Cello Concerto.

B. Happy Hour Crow's Nest with new friends 

C. Gala Gold New Years Eve dinner in the MDR with Handara and Agusteyar, our regular servers. I had shrimp cocktail, escargot, 2 lobsters (I don't eat red meat), strawberries in Grand Mariner.

D. Tenna Torren singing classy songs including LA Vie enRose. 20231231_210657.heic 231.6 kB · 1 download

E. Ocean Bar band played with soloist at Lido poolside until midnight countdown. 

Complimentary champagne and the horn tooted repeatedly with the roof open at midnight. Most officers were present. MOST of the guests were well dressed and many in their glitzy best!

Some excellent dancers, some just having fun and a good time was had by all.

I wore my little Prinsendam pin on my jacket lapel and had so many wonderful comments from guests and crew.

Holland America Line knows how to do New Years Eve!

 

 

20231231_235956.heic 171.59 kB · 2 downloads 20231231_235735.heic 1.02 MB · 3 downloads 20231231_085816.heic 379.27 kB · 1 download

 

Great photos of your New Year's Eve.  Love the singer's beautiful gown!  It sounds like you had quite a special celebration.  I love to wear my Prinsendam stuff, like my sweatshirt, and T shirt.  Wish I had a pin!

 

 

7 minutes ago, ger_77 said:

Funny you should mention slow post offices . . . our youngest DGS celebrated his 4th birthday on December 8th.  I mailed a card around the 20th of November to ensure it would actually arrive for his birthday.  DS sent a photo of him opening it yesterday.  Seriously?!?  I could have walked it to Calgary and back in that time - and I'm not a fast walker!  Thankfully I sent his birthday gift by courier rather than depending on  Canada Post to get it there on time.  They burned me twice last year when I sent the boys their birthday gifts, only to have them arrive many days past the celebration day.  They did refund the cost of the postage, but still . . . .

 

BTW, I like the idea of the goodie tree . . . yum!  Your DS must have a plethora of different ornaments for the different seasons/occasions.

 

Hope everyone is having a great afternoon!

 

Gerry, that is pretty bad service for a post office.  I sent my Christmas cards out on Dec. 4 and DS said his arrived Dec. 26!  My poor twin is still waiting and says she has hopes it will still arrive, well into 2024.  

 

DD has large clear plastic tubs with each season or theme and a basement storage room to place them on shelves.  

 

Hope you are having an excellent afternoon as well.  I'd better get back to the stocking preparation work.  It takes a lot of time keeping up with our Dailyites.  I don't know how Vanessa manages it all!  She must have a legal pad to keep notes each day!

[smitty34877]

@Quartzsite Cruiser, Lenda, I looked at it at lunchtime and again right now and I “got it”! Very clever.

@dfish, Debbie, I am sure by now you have a nice soft tee under the brace!It sounds as if things are improving and I am so glad. And now I will nag you not to lift until it is safe!
All of the pictures and prose today have been so good to see. Thanks to all.

[NextOne]

A salute to Ellis Island and its importance to the history of immigration.

My DM used to talk about how, in the early 1920s, as a child her father used to take her from Brooklyn to Ellis Island. He was the president of a German Lutheran congregation and would go to welcome the families that the congregation sponsored. While he talked with the adults, Mom would play with the children. She didn't speak german, so I'm not sure how they communicated, but it was one of her fond memories.

[tjcox9]

57 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Wow, and we thought our post offices were slow here!  That's a long time to wait for a postcard even during the height of Covid!  Glad to hear I captured some photos of the Zaandam while you were on it (with Boris Federer).  LOL!  Interesting the Polar Plunge was in the actual sea!  It's a long way back up to the hot tub from that aft platform, which is what I assume they used.  I know you must have enjoyed the Quest as much as we have.  Thanks for the comments.

 

 

 

The Polar Plunge is done right off the tender/zodiac platform and each participant is tethered. They are doing this also on the Venture and Pursuit which are in Antarctica currently. I saw a photo last week of one participant who donned a onesie type of penguin outfit for the event!

 

And yes, we like the Quest. We've only done the three small ones, haven't ventured onto the newer, larger ones yet.