The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday May 3rd, 2024

[grapau27]

27 minutes ago, Heartgrove said:

Thank you Sandi, thank you Roy, thank you Tina, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work.  And thank you everyone for being here! 

 

Leaving shortly for our two-day drive. Have a great weekend!

 

Stay Safe, and prayers for those in need.

 

- Jack

Best wishes for a safe drive and wonderful cruise on Sunday.

[Denise T]

Happy Friday. Thanks for the Daily and Fleet reports. 

Been a long week so I am looking forward to the weekend. Woking on some home projects this weekend. 

Sunny and much cooler. Grass needs cutting again. Fancy loves being outside when it is hot. I have to watch her as she loves laying in the hot sun. She then manages to find bunny poop and roll around in it. Such the lady. 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is a rainy start to the day here in mid-Michigan.  Temps are supposed to get to the low 70s today.  We have a string of great weather coming up.  Sue went out and bought flowers for her pots yesterday and got them all planted.  The long range forecast does not show any chance of frost.  If there is, what is planted is in pots and can come into the garage overnight.  My back is still happy after the test injections yesterday, but it is showing me how bad the problems are in my neck.  The neck has taken over in producing pain for me.  If it isn't one thing, it is another.  

 

Carrot cake is divine.  You might think it is strange that I would like carrot cake when I dislike cooked carrots so much.  Well, the carrots are disguised well in carrot cake.  All that sugar takes over.  I don't have carrot cake very often due to the carb count, but I enjoy it when I do. If you want to take something to a pot luck or family dinner, this will get the raves.   Here's our first recipe:  https://scientificallysweet.com/ultimate-moist-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

 

 

The last recipe did not include coconut and pineapple.  I happen to like them in the carrot cake.  This one cuts the calories and carbs by making the cake just one layer with frosting on the top.  That is doable, but it would be my whole meal.   https://www.skinnytaste.com/super-moist-carrot-cake-with-cream/

 

 

I'm sure this one is exquisite.  Or it should be for 770 calories per slice along with 123 g of carbohydrate.  That is more than my daily allotment! It uses applesauce as a sweetener and for moisture.  No pineapple or coconut in this one.   https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/worlds-best-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[superoma]

@StLouisCruiserstwo places we enjoyed on our winters in Clearwater

 

moreansrtscenter.org in st Petersburg. Visit them for their chihuly glass display.

Sunkengardensfoundation.org lovely gardens in st Pete 

 

 

 

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning to all,

Thank you to Sandi, Roy, Vanessa, Debbie, Dixie and Ann for all your efforts in keeping this thread alive.

Interesting Days, but not sure what to think about the quote.

I have read Gone With the Wind and have seen the movie a number of times.  I have also visited Margaret Mitchell’s house in Atlanta.

I will pass on the meal and drink.  The wine, while probably delicious, is a bit above my budget.

Prayers for all on the Cares List and Cheers to those on the Celebration list and those cruising.  

I have been to Marseille twice.  The first time I took the small trolly train up to the cathedral.  The second time was May 1, 2022, right after Jim and I were quarantine from having Covid.  Everything was closed that day.  i ended up walking around for a while in the port area, got very tired and then returned to the ship.

 

I hope everyone has a great day.

God Bless,

Terri

[cunnorl]

 Good Morning from a warm and sunny day at the beach

       I really enjoy this time of year. Weather is good, crowds are gone, life is good.

Didnt know wearing 2 different shoes had its own day. I actually did this once at work. Was hurrying, doing multiple things. Got to work and my co-worker said "i like the navy". I was embarrassed but we all had a good laugh.

    Gone with the Wind is one of my favorite books ( and movie). Have watched it several times.

      Busy weekend. All good.

      Called Luggage Forward yesterday to make arrangements for my luggage for the VOV. Was shocked at the rise in price. Still worth it for us.DH says there is a price for convenience.

    Sandi @StLouisCruisers  Congrats to Morgan. Enjoy the weekend with everyone.

    @Heartgrove  Safe travels to my neck of the woods. Have a wonderful cruise.

Off to water aerobics.

Safe travels and enjoy today

 

Charlene

[quilty964]

Good morning.  It's sunny and pleasant here today.  i don't think there's any rain in the forecast...it came last night.  I'll take carrot cake for dinner anytime!  I love the cream cheese frosting!!  The port today looks lovely, thanks for sharing your pictures!  It's going to be a quiet day here...🙂

Cheers to those celebrating and prayers for those who need them.  

Blessings on your day, Karen

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for the daily report, recipes and lists.  Not sure what lumpy rug day may be but I have been guilty of wearing two different shoes and I don’t think I’d go around celebrating it.  The Harry Potter excerpt is true.  We were in today’s port last fall and visited the Mucem which was fascinating, I’ll attach some photos.  I’m not going to argue about carrot cake for our meal suggestion, it’s my favorite.  Prayers for those on our prayer list.  Happy _______ to those of you celebrating today!

 

Some photos from our visit to Mucem, the cathedral and the basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a partly cloudy and cooler central Texas.  It is currently 65F with a predicted high of 79F.  It looks like we won't have any rain during the day, but it will return this evening and last through Monday morning if the prediction holds.  We had some rain overnight, but I don't know how much yet.  We also had quite a lightning and thunder show last night.  I'm not sure what we'll be doing today.

 

I try not to have lumpy rugs or two wear two different colored shoes, which I've done once that I remember.  Special-abled pets deserve a day everyday.  However, as Dr. Pol says, they don't know they are disabled.

 

An interesting quote today from J. K. Rowling, but I don't completely agree with it.  

 

Debbie, @dfish you can have my carrot cake.  I've had it before and liked it, but I very much prefer chocolate cake.  We'll pass on the drink, but would like to try the wine if it weren't for the price.

 

We have been to Marseille many times beginning in 2001 on Princess and mostly on BHBs.

 

Another good day in literary history with Margaret Mitchell winning the Pulitzer Prize for Gone With the Wind in 1937.  I've enjoyed both the book and the movie.

 

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I hope you get a better night's sleep tonight.

@1ANGELCAT  I hope the vet can help Houdini today, and I'm glad he is eating a little.

@dfish  Debbie, I'm glad the test shots are still working, but I'm sorry your neck is not causing problems.

@Heartgrove  Safe travels today and tomorrow, Jack.

@marshhawk  Annie, hugs to you and Chuck.  I forgot to mention that yesterday when you said you like your big boss except he didn't like cats, I thought of my favorite line from "Some Like It Hot",  "Nobody's perfect."

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We were in Marseille five times from 2001 through 2008, with a sixth stop in 2019.  All but the first time, were on a BHB, Noordam III, Prinsendam and Veendam.  In 2001 we were there on Golden Princess on her inaugural TA.  The change in the area around the Vieux Port between 2008 and 2019 was unbelievable, and the number of people was also a big change.  I am glad we were there before it got really crowded.

 

In 2001, we went to Arles and Les Baux, but I don't have any pictures of Les Baux that really show the place.  These pictures are from Arles, where we stopped at an Roman amphitheater..  There are pictures of the town from the top of the amphitheater.

 

On one stop in 2002, we went to Aix-en-Provence.

 

I found these pictures taken when we were in Les Baux.  They don't show the town but the surrounding area from Les Baux.  It is another very old walled town on top of a tall  hill.  Our lunch that day was duck a l'orange, and it was the best I've ever eaten.  

 

 

 

 

Lenda

[RedneckBob]

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Today's port is Marseille on the French Riviera, a very popular spot on the Mediterranean cruises.  In fact Marseille was on my first Med cruise a long time ago.  We've been to Marseille in 2008 (Emerald Princess), 2012 (Crown Princess), and 2019 (Emerald again).  The last time there was on our family cruise celebrating our 50th anniversary.  What a fabulous experience that was!

 

In looking back on our visits to Marseille I see that we've spent a lot of time outside the city of Marseille visiting the countryside of Provence and the little villages.  On our last visit we did see some of Marseille itself.

 

In 2008 we took of tour of Provence that included Lourmarin.  I remember the typical pale blue shutters on the stone houses.  The following photos are all from 2008.

 

The castle in Lourmarin and the beautiful countryside surrounding it

 

 

A street in Lourmarin, and a look at the flavor of the little town

 

 

 

 

 

Next was a drive through Bonnieux  Waiting for someone to get out of our way.

 

I recall the narrow road along a cliff.  Lovely views from there.

 

 

On our way to our next village we passed this bridge called Pont Julien which has stood for nearly two thousand years.  Two people were walking on it in this picture.

 

Next was Gordes which also on a hillside.  It was really beautiful in person.  I hope these photos do it justice.

 

 

 

 

This area is known for their stone walls and olive trees, too.  Both are seen here.

 

We briefly stopped in Cassis where we saw the Chateau de Cassis on top of that hill and some of the marina area.

 

 

 

From there we headed to L'Isle-sur-Sorgue which is known for its waterways and antique shops.

 

 

 

 

A cute shop, right?  I have to stop and let you rest your eyes a moment.  Then I'll be back with photos from the family visit to Marseille.

 

OMG, SLC. We were on the Emerald Princess in 2008 and did the same tour!  What was your seat number on the tour bus; maybe we sat across from y’all! 😀

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

On another visit to Marseille, we wanted to take the boat out to tour the Chateau D'If, but unfortunately, it was closed for repairs.  Instead, we took the boat to Les Iles and wandered around for a while.

 

I thought the name of the boat was very appropriate, Edmond Dantes.

 

We got a close up view of the Chateau D'If on the way back to the Vieux Port.

 

And this stunning view of Notre-Dame de la Garde as we cruised into the Vieux Port.

 

Just a few pictures from our day in Marseille in 2019.  We took the Ho-Ho, and then walked in the area that was several blocks back from the Vieux Port.

 

The area in front of the Vieux Port that used to be an open area.

 

Different scenes of Marseille

 

Lenda

[RedneckBob]

4 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  This morning in Pinellas Park, FL it is 74F and will be 90 later with sunny skies.  Yesterday the atmosphere added some dark clouds in late afternoon and we actually got rained on at the airport with thunder/lightning slowing baggage retrieval.  Seems like that is a common occurrence here in Florida though.

 

Thank you Roy @rafinmd for the maps today and Rich @richwmn for the content.  These past two days, sadly, I have had to change the predicted destination for Oosterdam because when the material for the fleet was researched last year by Rich the ship was going to Haifa and Ashdod, Israel.  A reminder of what has gone on in that region since last October.

 

Today is Lumpy Rug Day, National Specially-abled Pets Day, and National Two Different Colored Shoes Day.  I'll try to avoid the first and last, and hope all the specially-abled pets enjoy a fine day regardless of their limitations.  An interesting quote by Rowling but I don't know that I completely agree.  Yum, that dessert sounds great!  I don't drink rum or red wine🍷 so more for you.  It was a very good day for Margaret Mitchell.  Thanks today to our F&B ladies Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard.

 

Prayers for DB, and great nephew Alex's baby boys👶👶, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages held and our military in the region.  And for all here on the Daily Care list, especially Tana and Terry @smitty34877 and Chuck @catmando and Annie @marshhawk.  So relieved Maurice has a date coming up for his valve replacement and he can then go off the Care list.  Prayers for you all!🙏

 

Congratulations to the birthday and anniversary people, and to the graduates.🎓🎉🎂  It's that time of year!  And to all the cruisers - may you enjoy smooth seas and following seas.🚢  Thanks again to Vanessa @JazzyV for your hard work for us.  Hope you have a great Friday!

 

The destination today is Marseille, Provence, France.  We first had that port on May 31, 2021 and last on April 10, 2023.  Yep, we've been there several times but the 2021 photos have disappeared from both posts.  More work for me!  Here are the links for you.

 

 

 

Well, sleep did not come easily last night in a new place.  Unfortunately the light from the lit-up front yard here comes through the curtains and the room is glowing in the dark!  I wore an eye mask I brought and that was uncomfortable.  I sleep in a dark room at home.  And my back is hurting this morning and this straight back chair is killing me!  Not a good start to the day.  Hopefully I do better tonight!  Today we have breakfast with Morgan and hope to see the new apartment.  If she goes to the beach with some of her other visiting family (Dad, sister, etc.) the three of us will not be going since we're not beach people.  We will find something else to do this day.  Hope everyone else has a better start to their morning and a fine Friday!

 

 

You’re in my area and did not let me know until today! Have fun. Lots to do. Plenty places to eat.

[LambKnuckles]

Thank you  --  EVERYBODY!!!   Great photos of Marseilles!!!

 

Ooooo...  Carrot Cake...  If it can't be chocolate, this is my second choice!!!  So yummy!!!  I'm also a fan of Zucchini bread!!!

 

And Rum Rinner Cocktails...  I think I've had my share of these...  

 

Happy Friday to everyone!!!

[Haljo1935]

Thanks @0106 for letting me know about the translation being posted last night; I missed seeing by about 2 hours.

[aliaschief]

Nice cocktail party on aft verandha and a beautiful sunset. Goodnight from off Madagascar on the Indian Ocean.

 

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone.   I have been to the grocery store first thing this morning.   The first race for Oaks day is at 10:30.   Thanks for the Daily and the maps Sandi, Rich and Roy.  I have some lumpy rugs, I bought some Ruggables which are a great concept, two part rug, the top part is machine washable but the corners like to turn up.  A great quote by Rowling.   I love carrot cake, I have a recipe with pineapple and coconut that is a sheet cake.  It is a hit at parties and pot lucks.  I would happily enjoy a rum runner and would love the wine if someone gave me a bottle.  Thanks for the lovely photos of Marseille, what a beautiful city.

 

Thanks for the cares and celebrations reports Vanessa.   So nice to see several of us are boarding ships in the next couple of days.   @Haljo1935 happy birthday wishes for your family!  Prayers for Chuck, Tana, Terrie and Maurice.   Prayers for all in war zones through no fault of their own Ukraine, the hostages and the innocents in Gaza.    

 

Another day of working on housekeeping and preparing for cabin trip throughout the day between watching the races.   Have a lovely Friday!  Nancy 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!   We have a lumpy rug in our bedroom, I’ve accidentally worn 2 different coloured shoes, and think all pets are special.   Except snakes. And lizards.  
 

Last evening we sat in the hotel lobby with @jhannah and Donna and visited for a couple of hours.  None of us were hungry after the huge lunch we had at Bubba Gump’s, so we enjoyed coffee/cocoa and conversation until it was time for them to retire. They wanted to get to bed a little earlier than usual because the airport shuttle was booked for 3:30 for their morning departure.   We all agreed it’s been a great 2 days together, getting to know one another on a personal level, sharing stories of our pasts, and hopes for the future.  DH and I are so happy we decided to make this spontaneous trip.

 

Speaking of Maurice, he was blown away by the responses to my late afternoon post yesterday.  He said he’s so happy to know he’s got so many friends cheering him on and also said to say thank you for your support of me through all of this.   
 

In a short while I’ll wake DH so we can grab breakfast in the lobby and make our way home.  Because we have all day, there are a couple of stores I’d like to stop in along the way, so we’ll have the time to do that.

 

I’ve had a rum runner (strong!!), would like to have a sip of the wine if someone else is buying, and do like carrot cake with cream cheese icing. I’m pretty sure on our way into the city we’ll stop and pick up pizza to enjoy at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers to all who are in pain, in turmoil, in grief, and in storms.  Cheers to all with celebrations going on today.

 

Smooth Sailing! 🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[superoma]

Rainy today so I decided it was oven cleaning day. Racks are soaking in the bathtub. I saw a piece on my newsfeed about air fryers and the top where the element is. Turned mine upside down and oh my! Got rid of some of the gunk but can’t get behind the heating element and onto the fan blades. I can understand now how air fryer fires happen!  Now I am wondering if covering the food with a piece of parchment might make sense, as long as the temp is below 450f. Any thoughts?
 

tomatoes for planted anD Costco had my mixed flower pots for my planters in front of the garage so flower planting is done for another year! And the garlic is going gangbusters! Have a good day, everyone
 

 

Edited May 3 by superoma

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Sandi, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann, and Dixie,  .

Two fun days to celebrate and one very serious one.  Interesting quote and a great day in literary history.

I have not been to Marseilles.  

My alternative meal isClassic Caesar Salad, Linguini Russo, and Vanilla Ice Cream as served on MS Nieuw Statendam May 3, 2019: With ice cream as the desert Carrot Cake a la mode would be a gteat substitution.

 

Voting yesterday was easy, about 15 minutes from car to car, no holdups anywhere and ballot was created by touch screen and printed once all the selections were approved.  A bit frustrating at the fire house as I had a hiccup getting access to some of my files and have to go back today and make another attempt at the issue.  I also had some meds that were delivered to the UPS store a half hour after I checked my mail..

Roy

 

[dfish]

I did wear two different shoes to school one day.  We were halfway through the day before I noticed.  I was surprised none of the kids noticed.  If they did, they were too polite to say anything.  

 

Back from my regularly scheduled PCP appointment.  My A1C has recovered nicely since my surgery in December.  They tend to pump you full of bad stuff for the A1C and it took its toll on me last winter.  But, I'm back in the 5% club and that makes me happy.  So, @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, I am going to turn down the carrot cake, as much as I do like it.  I want to keep the A1C where it is.  

[kochleffel]

I support care for alternatively abled pets, don't support lumpy rugs or intentionally wearing different-colored shoes.

 

I'd need Lactaid for the carrot cake, unless it were made with imitation cream cheese. Pass on the drink (pineapple juice). I'm running out of substitutes for Nebbiolo, but I'd suggest Dr. Frank's 2021 Amur, a variety from southern Siberia and northern China, if it weren't sold out. "Dark and rich red cherry, jammy blackberry, with meaty, savory notes and a touch of black pepper. The palate is rustic with strong tannins balanced with ripe red and black fruits, sweet spice, black pepper, and a touch herbal."

 

 

 

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Another beautiful day in the PNW.  And next week we'll hit the 70's -- I love May here.  It's almost always better than June.

 

No lumpy rugs here or 2 different shoes, although it wouldn't surprise me if I'd ever done that.  All pets are special.  I'll pass on the drink (coconut rum), red wine and the carrot cake (not a fan of cream cheese).  Just give me chocolate please.  🙂  Margaret Mitchell certainly did deserve the Pulitzer Prize.  I read Gone With the Wind several times and we own the movie I like it so much.

 

 

We've been to Marseilles and Provence twice. The first time was in 2008, no photos from that visit good enough to share I'm afraid...we rented a car and drove to Aix-en-Provence and Arles.  DS and DBIL came with us that cruise, and that day was my sister's birthday -- a great way to spend it!

 

The second visit was in 2019.  We took an 8-hour tour to Avignon and Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct built in 50 AD.  Another great day! 

 

Just a couple photos of Marseilles as both times we spent the day outside of the city.

 

 

 

Pont du Gard

 

 

Inscribed stones when the bridge was built

 

Some scenes of Avignon

 

 

 

I hope everyone has a good day -- prayers for all on the Care List and cheers for all who are celebrating!

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all! 
We've had several visits to Provence, and spent several weeks there, but not Marseille.  Mostly pre digital, so I’m enjoying the wonderful photos!  We had the good fortune to stay right near Pont du Gard, and see the running of the bulls in Uzes.   We loved the tears on the gates of the cemetery in Loumarin and worried if we’d see our teens  again after they visited the market in Isle de Sorgue.  My prime memory of Les Baux was the squat toilets we talked about a week or so ago about,  as my then teen daughter could not face them.  We also ate a restaurant in St Remy  run by a former matador from Arles.  Our favourite used to be Aix en Provence.  Such beautiful fountains and shoppes. 

 

Edited May 3 by bennybear

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

2 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Nice cocktail party on aft verandha and a beautiful sunset. Goodnight from off Madagascar on the Indian Ocean.

 

 

Spectacular sunset.  Thanks for the pictures, Bruce.

 

2 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!   We have a lumpy rug in our bedroom, I’ve accidentally worn 2 different coloured shoes, and think all pets are special.   Except snakes. And lizards.  
 

Last evening we sat in the hotel lobby with @jhannah and Donna and visited for a couple of hours.  None of us were hungry after the huge lunch we had at Bubba Gump’s, so we enjoyed coffee/cocoa and conversation until it was time for them to retire. They wanted to get to bed a little earlier than usual because the airport shuttle was booked for 3:30 for their morning departure.   We all agreed it’s been a great 2 days together, getting to know one another on a personal level, sharing stories of our pasts, and hopes for the future.  DH and I are so happy we decided to make this spontaneous trip.

 

Speaking of Maurice, he was blown away by the responses to my late afternoon post yesterday.  He said he’s so happy to know he’s got so many friends cheering him on and also said to say thank you for your support of me through all of this.   
 

In a short while I’ll wake DH so we can grab breakfast in the lobby and make our way home.  Because we have all day, there are a couple of stores I’d like to stop in along the way, so we’ll have the time to do that.

 

I’ve had a rum runner (strong!!), would like to have a sip of the wine if someone else is buying, and do like carrot cake with cream cheese icing. I’m pretty sure on our way into the city we’ll stop and pick up pizza to enjoy at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers to all who are in pain, in turmoil, in grief, and in storms.  Cheers to all with celebrations going on today.

 

Smooth Sailing! 🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

 

Gerry, safe travels home.  Glad the getaway was so much fun.

 

52 minutes ago, dfish said:

I did wear two different shoes to school one day.  We were halfway through the day before I noticed.  I was surprised none of the kids noticed.  If they did, they were too polite to say anything.  

 

Back from my regularly scheduled PCP appointment.  My A1C has recovered nicely since my surgery in December.  They tend to pump you full of bad stuff for the A1C and it took its toll on me last winter.  But, I'm back in the 5% club and that makes me happy.  So, @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, I am going to turn down the carrot cake, as much as I do like it.  I want to keep the A1C where it is.  

 

Congratulations on the A1C numbers.  Don't blame you for foregoing the carrot cake.

 

Lenda

 

Lenda