The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday, January 13th, 2024

[ocean sounds]

38 minutes ago, ger_77 said:

Dang, it's cold; right now it's -35C (-31F) and we're only expecting a high of -32 (-25).  And it's snowing, and there's a wind, bringing the windchill factor to -45 again . . . for those not accustomed to Celsius/Fahrenheit, that's -49F.

Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine!  
 @ger_77 I hope you stay warm!  
 

In addition to prayers for our Care List, Praying all in the deep freeze stay safe and have warm shelter! 
 

Have a nice Saturday, everyone.  Give someone a hug and a smile. 

Edited January 13 by ocean sounds

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

We were downgraded from a winter storm warning to a winter weather advisory during the night. We did get enough additional snow to fire up The Beast, so Sue will be happy. No shoveling here!  There are many power outages around us, most with a restoration date of tomorrow, so we are very thankful for that.  We do have the grill for back up and can use the French press to make coffee if necessary.  I have a Zoom meeting at 10:00 and then we have Farkel tonight.  Otherwise, a lazy day. 

 

I really like black bean soup.  There was a restaurant nearby in Ohio that had the best black bean soup.  I always got it when I went there.  It would be a great hearty meal for tonight if I had the ingredients.  This first recipe is super easy to make.    https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/easy-black-bean-soup/

 

 

Black bean soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch, freeze some, and have some for another time.  This soup is just as easy but has different seasoning.  https://cookieandkate.com/spicy-vegan-black-bean-soup/

 

 

This recipe gives directions for starting with dried beans.  https://www.skinnytaste.com/black-bean-soup/

 

 

Sounds like it would warm you right up on a cold, blustery day like today.   Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

[smitty34877]

It is  51 degrees now with a little rain. I try to imagine the cold @ger_77 and @bennybear  have to deal with in the winter . I think it must be something one has to personally experience to fully understand. It will get colder here in the next few days and bring snow but not like that!

I will cheer Korean Americans and like peach Melba. We make black bean soup frequently here and look forward to the recipe. I have not been to the port.

My brother brought me a large box with family “ artifacts” and pictures. He was clearing out his basement and  wanted me to look through this and see if there was anything to keep. It was a lot of newspaper clippings my mom saved as well as some photographs. I will ask my kids if they want anything and will scan a few things of interest. Newspapers in the fifties and sixties were so different. There were engagement announcements for my brothers with pictures and even a small story about when my oldest brother went to Vietnam.I was transported back in time for a while. 
 

Thanks to all for the Daily and stay safe today.

 

 

[RMLincoln]

It is 55F here!  The highest it’ll be for the foreseeable future. It rained most of the night and that wet front is moving up to Jacqui. I slept through it, tired out from yesterday’s successful adventure to motor vehicle. Glad we were able to do it all!  
 

Next week Tuesday DH has an appt with an allergist but the forecast is for snow that morning. I’m nervous about it but he isn’t. I think they do well around here with keeping the roads cleared but the routing there is very busy and has a couple of quick lane changes to hit the exits at a confusing knot of secondary highway junctions that I haven’t learned yet. I’ll have to preview the google directions. 
 

I should get the Christmas lights off the porch railing this morning while it’s warm!  The rest of the day should be filing papers- we’ll see how far I get. This afternoon we’ll watch the football game we can see for free, not paying Peacock to watch the Kansas City- Miami game. 
 

I reallly like peach Melba, usually it has a raspberry sauce which makes it special. Black beans are good. And whiskey highball is my go-to drink!  Not very often but I like it with ginger ale. 
 

We stopped in Nuka Hiva on Tales of the South Pacific.  All the islands are dreams comes true for this tourist!  Thanks for the pictures Sandi!  
 

For now, it feels like we’ve put dreams on hold while we deal with reality. I’m hoping we can get through the hurdles at hand and back to looking ahead but every day is good, and in its own way, a dream come true!  
 

Thanks all for being here, sharing life - past, present and tomorrow. Blessings to all in need of warmth, healing … glad Gerri and DH are in from the cold ok!  Such deep cold, as they and Brenda have, is just downright scary. Eva, ABC islands always sound good to me! 😉

 

I do not miss our snow blower!  It was great when it worked. It broke a couple of times and we had to get it up on the little hill next to the cul de sac to roll it onto the tailgate of the pickup, which DH backed sideways into the hillside, get it strapped down in the snowy, icy, slippery bed of the truck, drive it 90 minutes into the shop for repair, pay expedited shipping for parts, then reverse it all to get it back. No, I don’t miss it at all. 
 

Paul, I hope your illness passes quickly. Getting sick on vacation is troublesome. Extra blessings to you!  
 

And to all grieving, lonely or worried. Hugs to all. Breathing is essential, mindful deep breaths help us inside and out. 
 

Cheers to those celebrating!  Smooth travels to all away!  (I’m just happy to be home!) Happy Saturday!  May your teams win, and the world find a path towards peace!  
Maureen 

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann, and Dixie for the Saturday Daily.  We have a Korean American couple in my congregation and their contributions have been quite substantial.  Peach Melba looks nice.

 

Technology has a major role in today's Daily with a quote from an Apple co-founder and a major move by a  Microsoft co-founder.

 

I have been to Nuka Hiva just once, Crystal Symphony in 2018. 

 

I'll pass on the meal.  My alternative is Pineapple, Bannana, and Guava Compote with Oven Roasted Chicken, and Blueberry Sundae as served on MS Prinsendam January 13, 2019.

 

It's pleasant outside now but temperatures are due to drop and winds to pick up so I headed out to my walk quite early.

 

Yesterday was a day I'm glad to have behind me.  I'll get to the whole saga in due time.

 

Roy

[RedneckBob]

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

 

Elvis wrote one of his famous songs while vacationing in the South Pacific. The song was, wait for it, NukaHiva Burning Love, it was a NukaHiva Burning Love, or something like that.

 

National Peach Melba Day. I dated a girl named Peach Melba from Elba, Alabama. She melted my heart but not my ice cream! 😀

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from my 2018 Crystal World Cruise.  January 13 was a sea day from Panama City to Acapulco.

 

 

Roy

[cunnorl]

 Good Morning from a rainy day at the beach

      It has been storming since the middle of the night. The rain is coming in bands, so dont know when it will end. I feel bad for all those cruisers out of Port Canaveral today, they and their luggage will be soaked!

     I agree with @MISTER 67 this winter has not been very pleasant. The one good thing is that the golf course has not been crazy. Usually packed this time of year! Not complaining after reading about the "frozen tundra". I have never experienced that type of cold, nor do I plan to.

    Please stay safe and warm to all of our Northern Dailylites.

    We were in Nuka Hiva in 2019 on the Eurodam. We took the 1 excursion around the island with all the locals. It was interesting. Pretty Island.

     Was scheduled to play golf this AM, but that didnt happen. So not much on agenda for today.

Stay safe and enjoy today

    Charlene

[GTVCRUISER]

ms Koningsdam in San Diego this morning 

[travelnap]

Gerry, I am sorry that I complained about the cold earlier this week, that didn't mean you had to send us some of your weather to show what cold is.  Currently we are at -15 F with a wind chill of -35 F.  The expected high for the next 3 days is -10 F.  I give up, you win.

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Have a great day.

[0106]

Peach Melba Day reminds us suffering from the cold that peaches and summer will return in 6 months. For our friends in the southern hemisphere, I hope you have some fresh peaches to combine with ice cream and raspberries sauce for a delicious Peach Melba today!

 

Today is a perfect day for black bean soup.  I use a recipe similar to the 3rd made with dried beans.

 

@kazu I have a friend that rented a house on Cap-Aux-Meules last summer. They enjoyed nature and spent their time hiking, biking and paddle boarding.  They visited local farms and said the produce was delicious.  
 

I too am struggling with the final two ports for my Norwegian cruise.  As Norway begins to restrict larger ships, it appears HAL is searching for new ports.  Fredrikstad has an old fortified town that looks interesting.  I have no idea what to do in Farsund.  If anyone has any insight into these ports I would appreciate your input.

 

Sending you peace, healing and all good wishes.

 

 

[RMLincoln]

30 minutes ago, GTVCRUISER said:

ms Koningsdam in San Diego this morning 

Thank you for sharing these. I have friends on her now, it’s fun to “see them”!  m—
 

[Cruzin Terri]

2 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Docked at St. John’s, Antigua, along with the Marella Discovery and the P&O Arvia. 
 

I just cancelled a tour with Lawrence of Antigua because I feel ill: slight fever, bronchial inflammation. Covid self-test is negative.

That is too bad.  Hope you feel better.  We have gone with Lawrence a few times and always have enjoyed his tours.  Really nice man.

Terri

[kazu]

25 minutes ago, 0106 said:

@kazu I have a friend that rented a house on Cap-Aux-Meules last summer. They enjoyed nature and spent their time hiking, biking and paddle boarding.  They visited local farms and said the produce was delicious.  

 

Thanks Tina! 🙂 

 

 

2 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Docked at St. John’s, Antigua, along with the Marella Discovery and the P&O Arvia. 
 

I just cancelled a tour with Lawrence of Antigua because I feel ill: slight fever, bronchial inflammation. Covid self-test is negative.

 

Oh dear - I hope you are feeling much better tomorrow 🤞 

[SanDiegian]

Good Morning from the City by the Bay

[Cruzin Terri]

Good Saturday morning.  

Our internet is up and running and that means I had better post.  With Hargray it here now and gone the next minute.  Yesterday, the internet was out from 10 am to @ 8:30 pm.  

Thank you Jacqui for the Daily and Fleet Report.  To Roy for the Maps.  To Vanessa for the Cares and Celebration List.  To Dixie for the Drink of the Day, To Ann for the Wine of the Day and to Debbie for the Meal of the Day. Not sure yet what we will partake of, but we have our choices.

 

We will celebrate with the Korean Americans on their special day,  Who doesn’t want their dreams to come true? Unless they are nightmares!   And Peach Melba.  Yum.  Haven’t had one in a long time.  

Interesting quote.

Have not been to the destination.

 

It is cold here. 50 degrees.  I know everything is relative.  But that is cold for us.  Some winters, the shorts don’t get put away.  This is not one of them.

 

It is quiet here.  Things are moving along.  I have not heard from my cleaning lady, which means I have to tackle the house.  Don’t know if I will ever see her again.

 

Would you believe the floor is our bedroom is still not right!  I told the contractor that it needs to be fixed but I do not want the same guy here again.  If he sends him, I will not let him in the house.  The guy cannot get it right.  We will see what happens.

 

Nothing else to report.

Hope all is well, Prayers for all and appreciate all the prayers and support.

God Bless,

Terri

[ottahand7]

Back onboard waiting for Lido to open.  389 in transit today.  No keys for our cabin, the steward said go to Guest Services, fat chance.  We saw them loading supplies, maybe they will take on asparagus too.  John's entire bowl last night.  He did cut it half before the photo. 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a cold for us, but warm for those on the frozen tundra, Quartzsite.  It is currently 36F but feels like 33F.  Our predicted high is 61F, which is more like our typical winter weather.  This afternoon, I think I'll clean up the small branches that fell from the ironwood tree earlier this week.  I might also rake the rocks in some areas.

 

I will celebrate the Korean Americans today.  After the last few years, we are beginning to make our dreams come true.  It's been a while since I had peach melba, and I hope they have it on the Koningsdam later this month.

 

Steve Jobs had it right with today's quote.

 

I like black bean soup, but DH is not a big fan, although he likes the Cuban black beans and rice I make.  We may just finish those leftovers tonight.  We'll pass on the drink, but I would like to try the wine.

 

We have been to Nuka Hiva twice, and I'll look for my pictures next.

 

The National Geographic Society has done a lot to open the world to others.  Also, an interesting day in the history of Microsoft.

 

@kazu  Jacqui, the advice to southerners on how to drive in snow and ice is good advice.  We get so little snow in the South and in most of Texas, that no one who hasn't lived in the north knows how to drive in those conditions.  We've seen an ice storm shutdown Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding area for a week until it warmed up enough to melt the ice.

@kochleffel  Paul, I hope you feel better soon.  I'm glad the test was negative, but please retest in a day or two since it can take time for a positive result to appear.

@ger_77  Gerry, I'm glad the adjustment helped your DH.  I'm also happy you will be staying inside today with that bitter cold temperatures.

@dfish  Debbie, I hope The Beast behaves for Sue today.

@smitty34877  Terry, I inherited a couple of boxes of newspapers from my father, not just the clippings.  Some are so old, they are beginning to deteriorate.  Several years ago, I scanned the relevant articles into the computer.

@marshhawk  Annie, I hope the eye doctor can help your DH without having to resort to another surgery.  It's a shame the last surgery went too far.

@Cruzin Terri   Terri, I can't believe the floor still needs repairing.  I don't blame you for not wanting the same guy to come back.

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been fortunate to visit Nuka Hiva twice, in 2002 on the Volendam APEC cruise and in 2004 on the Tahitian Princess.  In 2002, there were no tours offered as it was a relatively new port, but we were lucky to find a French lady who gave tours in her Land Rover Discovery.  The first group of pictures are from our 2002 tour.  I will not show the Survivor Beach again.

 

On our tour, we drove into the interior of the island, and our first stop was at a small hotel and restaurant where we had a beer and fried taro, which was good.  We also got a look at their hydroponic garden and some of their fields.  I thought the gardens might interest the Garden Club.

 

A look down at the road and a village nestled in a valley

 

Our next stop was a marae, a Polynesian religious site.

 

Next was the remains of a church

 

Back in town, we stopped at the local church and a statue of John Paul II

 

Back at the dock, the Executive Chef, F&B Manager, etc., were buying the fresh catch from local fishermen.  They told us the fish were for the crew and not for the passengers.

 

In 2004, we stayed in town and walked around.  We also took a truck to a restaurant on top of a hill where we had the most expensive cokes at $7 each.  The expensive view of town from the restaurant and the restaurant.

 

A pretty tree or bush

 

 

The tender dock

 

The sunset at Nuka Hiva

 

Lenda

[Haljo1935]

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

Today is PT and prepare for the cold that's coming. Turned on heater yesterday and nothing happened - ugh.

Currently  45° headed to 63° dropping 40° tomorrow to a high of 23°. 

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

[Nickelpenny]

1 hour ago, travelnap said:

Gerry, I am sorry that I complained about the cold earlier this week, that didn't mean you had to send us some of your weather to show what cold is.  Currently we are at -15 F with a wind chill of -35 F.  The expected high for the next 3 days is -10 F.  I give up, you win.

When I lived in South Dakota, the temp on my back steps was -24F.  I flew to Barrow, AK the next day and arrived to a temp of -6F.  This was in ~2002! 😬

[kochleffel]

It seems that back home in upstate NY is warmer today than most of the country: 42° F.

 

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, Dailyites!  Will I make it on page 2 for a change?  Probably not...  I was up early to put out the hummingbird feeders, with new hand warmers attached, they were waiting for their breakfasts.  In 2016 we visited Nuku Hiva on Westerdam, we hit a lot of strange weather and ports were missed or changed, but we did make it to Nuku Hiva, and it was probably Jacqui who organized a wonderful jungle tour, with an interesting lunch and hike.  I'll see if I can post pictures today or if I have to change over to my phone.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An amazing day!  

 

 

Edited January 13 by Vict0riann

[Nickelpenny]

Good morning to all and thanks for the daily and fleet reports.  I will celebrate 2 of the days but not peach melba (I do not like peaches unless they come from a can!).  True quote, the meal sounds delicious as well as the drink and wine.  Never been to the port and what a day for Microsoft.  I would read the National Geographic magazine and dream of far away places for most of my life.  My first sojourn from Riyadh was to Paris.  As I was standing on top of the Eiffel Tower I said to myself "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to be here.  I have only seen these things in the National Geographic".  16 years later I have been very lucky in my career and life to see much, much more.  

 

 

I rarely can't sleep but last night it alluded me.  My mind was racing and I couldn't turn it off.  Consequently, I "slept in" until 0630 and the temp was ~33F.  Coffee made and then off to the gym.  I do my PT exercises there.  I was super sore before working out but I think the cold has something to do with it. I was told by the therapist to dial down on the weights and try to isolate certain muscle groups. I find myself not wanting to move but know I have to keep doing so.  Maybe that was why I was/am in a funk.  Oh well.

 

 

Yesterday was interesting as I really had to implement "manage and engage instead of control" for one of the classes I was subbing for.  I only had 2 classes and one only had 2 students (Career Exploration).  We did a SWOT analysis and thank goodness I am VERY familiar with those!!  LOL!! Not sure if I would go back to the school though I am scheduled back there in the coming week.

 

My lease renewal just came in.  Not too much of an increase thank goodness.  In 7 1/2 years it has only gone up $300 so I think that is pretty good.  I like it here.

 

For those of you in the frigid weather, stay warm and safe.  Thoughts for those on the care list and cheers to those celebrating.

 

Have a great day everyone!