The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday August 8th, 2024

[Nickelpenny]

Thanks for the daily and fleet report.  I would love to be a digital nomad with lots of cats encouraging children to be creative!!  I agree with Oscar as I reread books all the time.  Yes, to the meal and wine but I am not a fan of sweet vermouth.  Never been to Corfu.  Interesting days in history.

 

Our cool down continues with a projected high barely hitting mid 90s.  Presently at ~0840 it is 86F with 52% humidity the real feel is 90F.  Heat and monsoon activity is projected to ramp up in the coming days.

 

Yesterday was cooking day and starting the focaccia.  @quilty964 I am using a recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen - mainly because it had the word "easy" in the title!  LOL!!  We will see how it turns out today.  I was chosen to participate in a Drexel U research project on food waste, it really comes at an opportune time as I practice my baking skills!!

 

I was asked by a HS teacher I subbed for last year if I would be able to sub for her again.  Of course, I said yes but I really need to limit on how much I work so that I don't overdo it.  I already have 10 gigs for August but I want to try to shoot for 8/month or so.  As I have a spreadsheet for this, last year I only did 2.5 days in August and averaged 7.6 days/month for the entire school year.  That was with taking an entire month off.  I do enjoy doing it though so who knows if my plan will succeed.

 

 

@Heartgrove Beautiful picture of little Poppy!! (and I will be thinking of you tomorrow)

 

Thoughts for all and cheers for those celebrating.  Have a great day everyone!

 

 

 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Of course I'll celebrate cats, and I'm enjoying all the photos today.  We will get the Grand-Kitties again on Sunday -- this time only for a week -- not 5 weeks like last time.  

DD, DS, and DDIL all are digital nomads, especially since Covid.  DSIL is the only one who isn't, as he sees patients every day.  

I'll pass on the red wine and the drink, but would love the meal.  Not sure yet what will be on the dinner table tonight.  We have been to Corfu several times and enjoyed it each time.

 

I'm feeling some better today, only a slight headache now.  Slept much, much better last night and I know that helped a lot!

 

Jack @Heartgrove Thank you for sharing the adorable photos of Poppy -- she's a cutie and I love her name.  

 

Karen @luvteaching I think you said you've sailed on the Discovery before?  That will be our next cruise (in November) so I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.  

 

We've been to Corfu several times.  The most recent was in 2021 on the Eurodam.  The beauty there never gets old!  The last time there we took a 3-hour tour around the island and most of my photos are from that day.  

 

Some views of Corfu Town from our balcony

 

 

Our ship the Eurodam, with the Volendam and Zaandam (waiting to be put back into service)

 

Some sights around Corfu Town and OH the flowers

 

 

 

 

 

 

You knew I couldn't resist at least one kitty...

 

And scenes from our drive around the island.

 

Castle of the Angels on the Ionian Sea circa 1272

 

A bombed out church (about 400 years old)

 

Such beauty

 

We drove through a town where the road was so narrow we could have touched the sides of the buildings.  Kudos to our bus driver!!

This is a wall right outside our window.

 

And we saw these beautiful colors on the buildings 

[RedneckBob]

4 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning! This will be short as I’m headed for my follow-up dermatology appointment to find out yes or no. I think not but we’ll see. The mighty oak came down with a loud thud. They will continue clean up today and grind down stump Friday. 
We were in Corfu this May and did the standard touring around the island and some of it was a repeat from previous visits. 
Thanks for the reports and personal post. Bruce

 

 

 

As far as the health tip cartoon, last time I got padded down at the airport, I did not know if I should thank them or tip them! 😳

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Now for our three stops in Corfu in 2019 on Veendam.  The first stop we rented a car and drove around the island.  The other times we took the Ho-Ho and did one loop each time.

 

Our drive on July 11, 2019, took us to Roda and Palaiokastraitsa and across the island.

 

Heading out of town

 

 

 

Roda

 

 

 

Some cruisers stop for coffee or beer, but we stop for gelato when in Europe.

 

 

Palaiokastraitsa

 

 

Some random pictures from the two Ho-Ho loops.  A street market

 

There were a lot of ruins along the first loop and this is one.

 

An old windmill

 

For the garden club

 

A sign on the new fort

 

In town

 

We wanted to go through the Achillean Palace, but when we saw the line for tickets, we got back on the Ho-Ho.

 

 

 

Drive along the coast

 

Lenda

 

Very informative photos of the Island Lenda.

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Watch says I slept more last night; over 5 hours

We visited Corfu Nov 1 '23 on the NS

This is what we drove (self drive, caravan style) up windy mountain roads

The streets were narrow, the views fabulous (in between the fog)

 

 

Time to stretch our legs - I'm sure this place was quite stunning "back in its day"

 

View from the potty break place - they had awesome baklava 

 

This is where we had lunch

And this is the wine we enjoyed - brought home a couple bottles (now gone)

Seaborne was in port with us that day

 

 

Bye bye Corfu 

 

Departing view from our balcony

Headlines from home that day - TX Rangers win the series!! DH said if he'd known all it took for them to win was for him to go to Europe, he'd have gone sooner. I volunteered to go every year - I'll take one for the team 😎

Nice photos Elizabeth.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good morning and Happy Thursday. I am posting my pictures from Corfu before I read all the posts. We were in Corfu June 9, 2022 on the Oosterdam and took the Palaces of Corfu excursion. 
*************************************

 

 

 

The first Palace we went to in Corfu was Achillion Palace in the village of Gastouri and was built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria after her son died and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II. It is also known for being the set for the casino scene in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. 

The Palace was closed for restoration but the views and gardens were lovely. It was raining so a bit overcast. 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we went to Mon Repo Palace built in 1828 as a Summer residence for Sir Frederic Adam, a British High Commissioner. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was born and baptized there in 1921. The Greek royal family used it as a Summer home. It’s set in a park setting and the walk through the park is beautiful. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite picture from Corfu.

 

Interesting photos Sharon.

When we visited Corfu we called into every shop🙄

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all! 
@kazuhope all goes well, one day at a time! 
@Heartgrove congratulations on beautiful Poppy!  
We’ve also visited Corfu numerous  times, so will attempt some different photos from around the island.  Some from the sea,  visiting the Durrells home.  I chartered a private boat and it was the best tour ever!  Loved that Tv series. 
 

 

Edited August 8 by bennybear

[smitty34877]

Good morning. We continue to have lots of rain here with Debby starting tomorrow. Can’t wait. 
@RMLincoln, Maureen, I hope your drive to Boston is uneventful. Saturdays are usually interesting as it is the changeover day for the Cape. I am very excited for you and hope you both enjoy your 70th Birthday cruise.

We were on  Eurodam cruise from NYC to Quebec and were held up many hours the pier as the ship had just returned from Europe. After the Coast Guard completed  their inspection we had a beautiful sail away with the city all lit up . It was close to ten before we sailed .

 

our cats for international cat day

 

 

[0106]

1 hour ago, dfish said:

I was going to get the extra firm stuff and marinate it lightly for flavor and try grilling it.

The most important tip I can give you is to press it before you marinate it.  I cut the block into 8 slices, wrap in a kitchen towel, set a cookie sheet on top and then set heavy items on top of the cookie sheet.  I usually use a dry rub but occasionally will just sprinkle some soy sauce on it.  Here is a basic recipe from one of my favorite sites,Grilled Tofu

 

Thank you to everyone who posted such wonderful pictures today.  Sending positivity to all who read the FR & D.

[XBGuy]

6 hours ago, richwmn said:

Today is Digital Nomad Day

 

I had not idea what that meant.  I guessed that a digital nomad was somebody who did significant web surfing.  Thank you to @grapau27 for straightening me out.

 

It turns out I was a digital nomad.

 

In 1997 I worked out of an office in Santa Ana.  That was about a 36 mile one-way commute for me.  While that was noticeably shorter than my previous commute to the Westwood office (about 45 miles) it still meant that I would be spending at least 2-hours a day on various freeways.  Fortunately, my job responsibilities did not require me to go into the office every day.  I regularly made calls on customers and prospects,  Then, there were events that came from up above in the corporate empire--training sessions, product updates and they were always looking for Demo Dollies for industry conferences.  So, while I was not in the office every day, it was a comfortable place to meet up with colleagues. 

 

In the late spring we learned that the company was not going to renew the lease on our office space, and everybody would be moved to the company's facility in Mission Viejo.  That would add 17 more one-way miles to my commute.  Most of my colleagues, however, cheered at this news because they lived in South County, and, now, they would not have to commute through the dreaded :"Y"--the intersection of the 5 and 404 freeways.

 

Now, this was the era when many companies were actually encouraging people to telecommute--"Working Virtual" was the popular nomenclature.  My company was also encouraging people to work virtual, and the closing of our Santa Ana office was an opportunity to save some more office space.  So, those of us in the Santa Ana office were encouraged to do so,

 

Naturally, everybody, including me, groused about that.  "What?  You want me to change?  I don't do change."

 

As the cutover date drew closer, my view softened.  The more I thought about it, the less attractive that longer commute seemed.  So, I set up an office in a spare room.  There were cubicles at the Mission Viejo facility that virtual workers could claim for a day if they had the need to do so,  On Day 2 of my first week as a virtual worker, I drove down to Mission, said "Hi" to everybody and camped at one of the virtual cubes.  That worked out fine, and on Day 4 I did the same,  The next week, I thought there was no real need for me to go down to Mission more than once.  That also worked fine.  On week three, I decided there was no real reason for me to go down to Mission.  I'll go next week.  Well, that didn't happen.

 

I found that I was amazingly productive working at home.  I knew what my job is, and I feel that I am a responsible person.  Do the job.  On the days that I was not traveling, I would be at my home office desk pretty much from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.  It was also around this time that my doctor told me that I should lose some weight.  Gyms and diets were not a part of my lifestyle, either.  However, I learned that I really did not need lunch, and, soon, the program became to go for a walk in the neighborhood at about noon time.  It worked.  I did lose some weight and my doctor was happy.

 

After about a year as a virtual worked, I was attending a product update in Plymouth, MI with a bunch of colleagues from around the country.  I was having a drink one evening with Frank who was from Memphis, TN.

 

Frank:  You do this virtual thing, don't you.  How do you like it?

 

Me:  It's great.  What's not to like.  I get two to three hours back in my life every day.

 

Frank:  Well, if I hit the red light, it takes me about 12 minutes to drive to the office.

 

Me:  That's awesome Frank.  Going in to the office works great for you.

 

Frank:  Yeah, I've tried virtual working a couple times, but I find that at about one o'clock all my work is done.

 

Me:  And the problem with that is . . . ? 

[quilty964]

Good afternoon from a another pleasant day in SE Wisconsin.  Last night was in the 60's!  I'll take it.  

Still working on the focaccia from yesterday.  It's still in the rising process.  I think it will be done soon, then to bake.  This is another cooking experiment! 

@HeartgroveThanks for the pictures of Poppy and her Momma!  Two beauties!  I'm sure big sister is loving her today! 

 

Thanks for all of the travel photos.  We were in Athens for a day on our way to Israel many years ago.  

 

Have a good rest of the day.  We're off to see an Abba tribute band at the park tonight!  Last time they were here, it was a packed crowd.  Karen

 

[mamaofami]

Thank you for keeping me on the care list. I am happy to say I’m finally rid of the awful fatigue from covid and have my energy back. All the rain has however kept me inside.

[Vict0riann]

We have been to Corfu twice, both times with Tony and Martha, @sailingdutchy, so of  course, we had a wonderful tour with them the first time, and wandered around town on the second.  We visited the monastery of Paleokastritsa, and "Sissy's" palace, ate yummy feta and saw wonderful views.  I remember that there were many men standing along the roadsides with guns - our guide said it was open season on the birds, and the men were just hanging out waiting to shoot them!

 

Some views from the roadside

 

 

 

 

A delicious snack

 

 

At the monastery

 

 

 

 

I have never seen such a brilliant bougainvillea!

 

 

I think I saw the same cat as Lenda!

 

 

At Princess Elizabeth's (Sissy) palace

 

 

 

Back in the old town of Kerkira

 

 

 

 

Shall we shop?  

 

 

 

Edited August 8 by Vict0riann

[kochleffel]

3 hours ago, dfish said:

I've never worked with tofu before, but a vegetarian friend is coming for dinner on Sunday.  I was going to get the extra firm stuff and marinate it lightly for flavor and try grilling it.  How do you think it will hold up?

 

This should work. Extra-firm tofu doesn't really need to be pressed, and in any case the marinade will slow its browning. Don't make the marinade too light--it will be the only source of flavor. I've never tried a dry rub but I think that would also be possible.

 

[ottahand7]

@Sharon in AZ my cat was a Maine Coon.  My late DH always wanted one so when his rescue cat passed away we decided to get two cats since we traveled a lot.  He got the MC and I got my Korat.  She is an international cat as her breed came from Thailand in the 50s.  The are called Sri Sawat which means good luck.  They were my family after my DH passed away.  

 

 

Edited August 8 by ottahand7

[dfish]

50 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

 

This should work. Extra-firm tofu doesn't really need to be pressed, and in any case the marinade will slow its browning. Don't make the marinade too light--it will be the only source of flavor. I've never tried a dry rub but I think that would also be possible.

 

Thanks to you and @0106 Tina.  The marinade I am using is the same one as the chicken and it is a specific recipe for spiedies, a Binghamton specialty.  Spiedies can be made with chicken, pork, lamb, and beef.  Spiedies

 

 

The traditional way to eat them is to wrap the skewer with a piece of crusty Italian bread and pull the spiedies off.  There you have a spiedie sandwich!  I like to make up a bunch of spiedies and use them on salads for a meal.  

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

Being a digital nomad is a big thing these days. I know many here are appreciating cats and are sharing photos. The date to create reminds me of many projects I need to start or finish. Some books are worth re-reading, but others can be just as good. I like the meal (although I have no outdoor grill). Pass on the drink and yes to the wine. I haven't been to Kerkira/Corfu, although I have been to Greece. 2 interesting days in history.

 

It's warm and partly sunny. We're  supposed to get storms later. I had a pretty good day yesterday after seeing ENT on Tuesday, but by evening the unsteadiness had returned. My instructions say to not do the home maneuvers until 8/13, and only if I have symptoms. This AM I was wobbly and somewhat nauseated. BFF texted to say he was taking his late DF's girlfriend out for lunch, and asking me to join them. I managed to fend off the nausea with a couple of crackers and a peppermint. I visited with BFF and a bit after the lunch and just got home. There was a big water main break near me, but luckily I wasn't affected and the road was back open. But my alley that leads to my garage was blocked off. Apparently someone ran into 2 garages. I was able to get into mine from the other end of the alley (There are also 3 posts that protect my garage from such things).

 

@seagarsmoker I'm glad things are ok where you are.

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for the great photos. 

@kazu Ivan is being such a good boy. I'm glad you were able to eat something yesterday. Good luck with the listing and showings. I appreciate you sharing your beautiful flowers.

@cat shepard A boring medical life would be great.

@Cruzin Terri Great news that the worst is past you and that you had no damage. 

@Heartgrove Thanks for the precious photos of Poppy and her Mom! 

@RedneckBob 😁

@Quartzsite Cruiser @Haljo1935 @Sharon in AZ @Cruising-along @bennybear @Vict0riann Excellent Corfu photos. 

@ger_77 Sorry the garage door opener didn't work out yesterday; I hope you find one that fits. It was indeed an honor to be asked to lead the service. 

@USN59-79 Thanks for the interesting fact.

@St Pete Cruiser How apropos for today.

@Nickelpenny I got my smell test packet yesterday and was surprised it's labeled University of PA smell identification test. I'll be doing it this afternoon.

@mamaofami Good news that you're feeling better!

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to those Celebrating.

Edited August 8 by JazzyV

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Vict0riann said:

We have been to Corfu twice, both times with Tony and Martha, @sailingdutchy, so of  course, we had a wonderful tour with them the first time, and wandered around town on the second.  We visited the monastery of Paleokastritsa, and "Sissy's" palace, ate yummy feta and saw wonderful views.  I remember that there were many men standing along the roadsides with guns - our guide said it was open season on the birds, and the men were just hanging out waiting to shoot them!

 

Some views from the roadside

 

 

 

 

A delicious snack

 

 

At the monastery

 

 

 

 

I have never seen such a brilliant bougainvillea!

 

 

I think I saw the same cat as Lenda!

 

 

At Princess Elizabeth's (Sissy) palace

 

 

 

Back in the old town of Kerkira

 

 

 

 

Shall we shop?  

 

 

 

Lovely photos Ann.

[SusieKIslandGirl]

@Cruising-alongWe were on the Discovery Princess in April for the Solar Eclipse cruise. 2 months after booking opened we ended up with a guarantee cabin so we were in a forward cabin, rather than our preferred aft. We got a lot of steps in but it wasn't as bad as I had feared. The ship was totally booked for the total eclipse but really didn't seem overly crowded. It's a beautiful ship and the International Cafe is always wonderful. If you're lucky, you will have Cole Bockman from New Zealand, as cruise director. He is a riot-make sure you see his Wake Show on tv in the morning. And our medallions worked quite well. Love having the door unlock as I approach while holding morning lattes from the International Cafe.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

5 hours ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

The Voyage of the Vikings arrived in Cohb, Ireland early this morning. We took the train to  Cork, which was enjoyable and easy. I was very pleased we docked right in Cohb, not across the harbor in Ringskiddy where Royal Caribbean was docked. 

I had to go back and take pics of a pub when I saw what the drink of the day was:

 

Thanks for the picture.  Nice to see it today to go with the drink of the day.

 

3 hours ago, mamaofami said:

Thank you for keeping me on the care list. I am happy to say I’m finally rid of the awful fatigue from covid and have my energy back. All the rain has however kept me inside.

 

Carol, that is good news you are over the fatigue and have your energy back.

 

43 minutes ago, JazzyV said:

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

Being a digital nomad is a big thing these days. I know many here are appreciating cats and are sharing photos. The date to create reminds me of many projects I need to start or finish. Some books are worth re-reading, but others can be just as good. I like the meal (although I have no outdoor grill). Pass on the drink and yes to the wine. I haven't been to Kerkira/Corfu, although I have been to Greece. 2 interesting days in history.

 

It's warm and partly sunny. We're  supposed to get storms later. I had a pretty good day yesterday after seeing ENT on Tuesday, but by evening the unsteadiness had returned. My instructions say to not do the home maneuvers until 8/13, and only if I have symptoms. This AM I was wobbly and somewhat nauseated. BFF texted to say he was taking his late DF's girlfriend out for lunch, and asking me to join them. I managed to fend off the nausea with a couple of crackers and a peppermint. I visited with BFF and a bit after the lunch and just got home. There was a big water main break near me, but luckily I wasn't affected and the road was back open. But my alley that leads to my garage was blocked off. Apparently someone ran into 2 garages. I was able to get into mine from the other end of the alley (There are also 3 posts that protect my garage from such things).

 

@seagarsmoker I'm glad things are ok where you are.

@StLouisCruisers Thanks for the great photos. 

@kazu Ivan is being such a good boy. I'm glad you were able to eat something yesterday. Good luck with the listing and showings. I appreciate you sharing your beautiful flowers.

@cat shepard A boring medical life would be great.

@Cruzin Terri Great news that the worst is past you and that you had no damage. 

@Heartgrove Thanks for the precious photos of Poppy and her Mom! 

@RedneckBob 😁

@Quartzsite Cruiser @Haljo1935 @Sharon in AZ @Cruising-along @bennybear @Vict0riann Excellent Corfu photos. 

@ger_77 Sorry the garage door opener didn't work out yesterday; I hope you find one that fits. It was indeed an honor to be asked to lead the service. 

@USN59-79 Thanks for the interesting fact.

@St Pete Cruiser How apropos for today.

@Nickelpenny I got my smell test packet yesterday and was surprised it's labeled University of PA smell identification test. I'll be doing it this afternoon.

@mamaofami Good news that you're feeling better!

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to those Celebrating.

 

Vanessa, I'm sorry the unsteadiness returned today.  I'm glad you were able to join your BFF this afternoon. 

 

I have enjoyed seeing all the different pictures from Corfu, and in case I would forget someone, thank you all for sharing.

 

Lenda

 

Lenda

[Sharon in AZ]

1 hour ago, ottahand7 said:

@Sharon in AZ my cat was a Maine Coon.  My late DH always wanted one so when his rescue cat passed away we decided to get two cats since we traveled a lot.  He got the MC and I got my Korat.  She is an international cat as her breed came from Thailand in the 50s.  The are called Sri Sawat which means good luck.  They were my family after my DH passed away.  

 

 

We loved our Maine Coon. It was quite a surprise because when I went to get our new kitten I saw she had a brother. I hated to break them up so ended up with both of them. The girl was petite and dainty and the boy was fluffy and scrappy. He was the Main Coon and we had never heard of that breed until our Vet told us that was what he was. He was very special. Well, so was his sister but he was extra. 

 

1 hour ago, dfish said:

Thanks to you and @0106 Tina.  The marinade I am using is the same one as the chicken and it is a specific recipe for spiedies, a Binghamton specialty.  Spiedies can be made with chicken, pork, lamb, and beef.  Spiedies

 

 

The traditional way to eat them is to wrap the skewer with a piece of crusty Italian bread and pull the spiedies off.  There you have a spiedie sandwich!  I like to make up a bunch of spiedies and use them on salads for a meal.  

 

Those sound delicious Debbie!

[dfish]

49 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

 

Those sound delicious Debbie!

 

They are!  I order the original sauce from Lupo.  You can get it on that site that sells everything.

[kochleffel]

2 hours ago, dfish said:

The marinade I am using is the same one as the chicken and it is a specific recipe for spiedies, a Binghamton specialty.  Spiedies can be made with chicken, pork, lamb, and beef.

 

This is definitely spiedie territory. We can even buy spedie marinade in the supermarket.

 

[kochleffel]

The tabling went well enough, given that we were on the fringe of the market--vendors that sign up for the whole season get the central locations. The weather was mild but I was out too long and now I feel less well than this time yesterday.