The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday August 29th, 2024

[marshhawk]

Good Thursday Morning Dailyites!  It's currently 75 and sunny.  The sun has not actually come up over the hill, so its shady here right now, so I opened the two front den windows and getting some fresh air in before it gets too hot. The weatherman said that today the temp will get up to 96, but with the humidity it will feel like it is 102.  Whoopee. We actually had a power surge last night before it got dark.  I guess everyone had just come home and turned up their air.

 

I saw this ad this morning on the computer, and I just had to send a copy.  What with Christmas coming up,  forgive me if you think it is too rude.

 

 

after watching most of the show- departures, I asked DH of all the countries the two young men have been to, which one appeals to you the most, and he said "Iceland".  Oh my, two months ago he said he never wanted to go there.  BFF and I have always wanted to go there.  And then last night, at work I talked to a woman, who had just come back from Iceland, she said it was fabulous, like earth at the time of Dinosaurs.  Without the dinosaurs.  Who knows, I may get there one day.  The other place he wanted to go was New Zealand.  Not sure that will happen.  

 

@DeeniEncinitas I also spoke to a man who had moved from Florida last week and was now living in Hawaii.  I asked about the past storm this week, and he said it wasnt bad, but the new one coming in was going to be more of a direct hit.  Please take care, and be safe.  He told me that he had left FL because of the hurricanes, but it appears that he brought them with him when he moved.  He said he wanted to apologize to everyone for bringing his "friends" with him.  I love when you post pictures of your art.  You are a fantastic artist, and the pictures of your art always bring me joy.

 

Donna is off today and tomorrow, so no walk the dog, but I will work from 9:30-11:30 in FL, then 12:30 to 3:30 in CA, and then at 6 go back to work in FL.  and then, I am off until Tuesday!

 

I am not sure what my individual rights are, but I thank those who put the rights of others ahead of their own, when it came to COVID.  Salt is tricky.  You need to get salt, but then there is so much salt in canned foods, so the only way to actually monitor salt is read everything, or only eat what comes from the ground. I cut down my salt, and then after being extremely severely low was told I had too little in my annual tests.  Well I said to the doc, you told me to cut down...there has to be a daily life scale....balance in life is everything.  .

 

north of Vancouver

Edited August 29 by marshhawk

[Mtn2Sea]

Our last visit to today’s port, Tauranga, New Zealand, was in 2023 while aboard the Zuiderdam.  We chose to just walk around some and have lunch.  New Zealand is one of our favorite countries to visit.
 

 

 

 

We spent some time relaxing in this small park near the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

We ate lunch at a small bistro in this shopping area.

 

[Haljo1935]

Other than 2 conf calls and opening a HDT for one of my teams, I will be taking the day off. So, this morning was take meds, check Daily, feed animals, set alarms for the conf calls and back to bed.

I feel twinges in the left kidney - hope it just wants more water 💧 Checklist complete; headed to bed.

 

Prayers 🙏 and positive thoughts for all including the people in the path of the typhoon. 

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites 

 

A beautiful 71 degrees moving towards 90 today.

 

Yesterday we went to CVS for our flu and Covid shots. The pharmacist said if we've had the RSV we don't need another.. Yet.

 

We went to lunch at a favorite Mexican restaurant and over to the clinic for my 6 month visit with my endocrinologist. All is good. I'm OK to get my Reclast infusion a month late due to our cruise plans.

 

I was able to talk with my sis, she sounded stronger, but still has no idea when she goes back to surgery. 

 

Today I have a manicure, wash the car and Elvis, and that's it. Tonight is game night minus one. She's caring for her mom who has covid.

 

Prayers lifted for each and everyone this morning. Please be safe. Blessings!

[richwmn]

Good morning from Seattle.

Despite staying up late last night, I woke up at 6am Eastern, 3am here. I did manage to go back to sleep for another two hours but I'm wide awake now. Still 20 minutes until the hotel breakfast is available.

In a little bit I will explore this area a little more, it looks to be a nice day today.

Since this is a holiday weekend, many will be traveling starting this afternoon, hope everyone stays safe and has a great holiday.

 

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning to all.

Thank your to Sandi @StLouisCruisers for taking the reins while Rich is off to Japan.

Thank you to Vanessa @JazzyV and Eva @superoma and Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for your contributions to this thread.

 

I will say it is good to be home.  I will also say that Courtyard by Marriott needs to invest in new pillows.  They are the worst.  I always say that I am going to bring my own and then forget.  Don’t remember until I get there. Even DH, who can sleep through anything was complaining about the pillows on this trip.

 

Thank you Sandi for the lovely photos and kind words.  You certainly have been almost everywhere and I, for one, am so grateful to be able to enjoy the places I will never get to see otherwise.

 

Terry @smitty34877 Thank you for your kind words.  I am very happy about being able to dodge the surgeon’s knife.  Hopefully the PT will work.  The photo of Camilla is adorable.

 

Today is busy.  I have a hairdresser appointment.  I ditched the one I had and went back to the former hairdresser who retired and unretired.  She is trying to straighten out the mess the other one made.  

I also want to get in touch with the PT facility to see if I can start next week.  I am looking at six weeks of therapy and would like to finish before we leave for our cruise in early November.

 

Yesterday was a very tiring day.  Glad I had a good night’s sleep last night.  I feel refreshed and ready to start the day.

 

Hope all is well with everyone.

God Bless,

Terri

[cunnorl]

Good Morning from a warm and sunny day at the beach

      Interesting days. I do agree with todays quote. No one owes you anything. No to the meal and drink. We were in todays port on the Noordam in 2022. 

      We won at trivia last nite. Interesting they had several questions on the Beatles. Luckily my teammates knew because I was never a Beattles fan.  

        @smitty34877   I cant believe that picture of Camilla! She is quite the young lady.

          @Cruzin Terri   Glad to hear you will not need surgery

           @cat shepard   Ann, where are you going that requires a yellow fever vaccine? 

  Today is back to the library for end of month accounting. Our regular meetings start again next week.

       My travel agent sent me a few excursions to review. I sent back a list of very specific questions about accessibilty. Dont want a repeat of Reykjavik.

Stay safe and enjoy today

 

Charlene

[GTVCRUISER]

Yesterday 8/28/2024 , 59 years ago I saw the Beatles in concert in San Diego 

[aliaschief]

Good morning. It will be a busy day of final packing and last minute chores. On the fun side we are taking our neighbors (house sitters) to lunch at a nice restaurant. We will attend our church small group this evening. Yesterday watching the news realization set in that we are traveling on a busy holiday weekend and TSA will process over 12 million people nation wide. We’ll arrive at airport a little earlier but not overly concerned as it’s more likely folks are coming to our resort town then leaving. We are traveling first class all the way so we should be fine.

Will be short as need to get things done. Have a great day and Labor Day weekend. Thanks for the featured articles and post. Bruce

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good sunny morning from central Texas.  It is 72F with calm winds.  The humidity is 92% with a dew point of 70F.  Our predicted high will go back and forth between 90F and 91F with 6 to 10 mph winds.  That will be a nice afternoon outside in the shade if I get the house cleaned in time.

 

While our individual rights are important, I believe it is also important to protect the rights of others.  I'm also for no more nuclear tests.  While I don't use many herbs, I try to cook with less salt. and I only add it to certain cooked food.

 

I totally agree with the Mark Twain quote, but also agree that we need to protect and help those that are less fortunate.

 

I'm waiting for Eva's @superoma recipes before I decide about the meal of the day.  However, we'll pass on the drink and the wine.

 

We have not been to Tauranga, but hopefully some day.

 

Today in 1865 was a good day for Brazil who gained their independence.  In 1966. it was a sad day for Beatles fans.

 

@TiogaCruiser  Thanks for the pictures from Saguenay, Laura.

@StLouisCruisers  Enjoyed your pictures today, Sandi.

@Heartgrove  Jack, I'm glad your DSIL will be coming home on Saturday.  When they inspected our house after DH's rehab, they also wanted the rugs and bathmats removed.  However, when we pointed out one rug covered a wire that was a tripping hazard, and that our tile floors were slick when wet, they okayed the rug and the bathmat in front of the shower.  Sometimes, you have to use common sense to figure out what is best. 

@smitty34877  Terry, I'm glad Tana is able to eat even if it's small portions.  It's hard to believe the cute little girl in the picture is the little baby we all worried about several years ago.  She has really grown up fast.

@Seasick Sailor  Joy, I hadn't heard about the typhoon in Japan.  Just like hurricane season picks up here in September, typhoon season picks up in Japan at the same time.  I'm glad you DS sounds stronger, and I hope she gets the second surgery soon.

@marsjack  Annie, I laughed at your picture.  Iceland is lovely in the summer, and is not all that cold then.  I hope you can get there.

@Mtn2Sea  Thanks for the pictures.  What a crazy motorcycle.

@Haljo1935  Elizabeth, I hope you are correct about only needing more water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning and Happy Thursday from the beautiful Zuiderdam. We are at sea today cruising the St Lawrence. 
 

I am having trouble posting pictures. CC must have changed something. I figured out a way around it but it’s time consuming— emailing myself the pictures and then posting them. So until I can figure it out I’ll only post a few here and there. 
 

Yesterday in Charlottetown it was windy but a moderate temperature. We had fun shopping and then eating lunch. I had a lobster roll. 

 

Dinner was lovely as usual and the Artic Char was delicious. 

Today there are a few activities that I want to attend. Wine tasting is the most important. 
 

Have a great day everyone!
 

 

[smitty34877]

@Quartzsite Cruiser,Lenda, I had a good laugh with the NYC GPS meme!

My family is often surprised when I am the driver and laughs at my outrage! I think my accent gets worse too…

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  I'm for all 3 days - individual rights, a halt to nuclear testing, and using more herbs and less salt.  I've never cooked with a lot of salt since my dad had a heart condition and couldn't have much salt.  I always put the shaker on the table for anyone who wants to boost their dishes and am never offended when they do.  Interesting quote.

 

It got cold quickly yesterday when it began raining in the middle of the afternoon - a sure sign that the "f" word is soon going to be here.  This morning we woke to a temperature of only 6 degrees (42F), but it should get up to around 20 which will be quite comfortable.  The skies are still cloudy, and it looks like there's a bit of a breeze, so hopefully things will clear off and we can enjoy some sunshine later today.

 

Didn't have much on the agenda today but that quickly changed last night when DH said "Oh crap, I just broke a tooth."  Thankfully it was one on his partial plate, as it can be easily repaired.  Because of his heart valve replacement, he's been told he can't have any dental work done until the beginning of next year.  This morning we're off to the denturist so he can get the tooth replaced - I'm driving him because he also woke up with a stiff neck and it'll make shoulder checking quite a challenge.  Maybe it's time for new pillows.

 

@smitty34877thank you so much for sharing the sweet picture of our dear little Camilla; hard to think she's starting pre-school already!  Our DGS's in Calgary start today; our oldest is in Grade 4, while the little guy has his first day of Kindergarten.  I'm sure it's going to be an exciting day for them!

 

I'm going to pass on the drink of the day, the wine, and will let others enjoy today's menu suggestion.  As I thought, my godson brought a bunch of chicken, but this time it was from Popeye's, so we've got leftovers that we can enjoy for dinner tonight on the deck.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, and even for those who don't think they do.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

[Sir PMP]

Port of Tauranga, NZ:

 

 

 

[RedneckBob]

2 hours ago, summer slope said:

Applepuckertini cocktail:

Ingredients:
3 oz. vodka
2 oz. apple schnapps or pucker
1 oz. apple juice or apple cider
1 oz. granny smith apple syrup

Directions:
Pour 3 ounces vodka, 2 ounces apple pucker, 1 ounce apple juice and 1 ounce granny smith apple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
Add a few cubes of ice.
Put the lid on the shaker and shake well.
Pour the mixture into martini glasses.
Makes 2.

Why not call it the kissing drink. Pucker up before?

[RedneckBob]

3 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Today the port is Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand.  It's a lovely port of call and I'm sure many of us have enjoyed it there. I've been there twice already and loved it.

 

 

On Dec. 22, 2013 we stopped in Tauranga on the Diamond Princess.  The following day we would disembark in Auckland, spend the night at the Hilton located on the pier next door and fly home on Christmas Eve.  The longest day of my life!  We started the morning about 5 am getting to the Auckland airport and ended up at home in Georgia about 10 pm the same day!  Needless to say we slept in on Christmas Day, and drove north to visit family a few days later.

 

On that 2013 stop DH and I merely walked around the town enjoying the warmth of the people and the climate.  On Dec. 4, 2017 we returned to Tauranga on the Sun Princess, again our final port before Auckland and returning home to the U.S.  This time we decided to hike around the base of Mount Maunganui, the extinct volcano at the end of the peninsula in town.  A view of it from the ship.

 

Here is the visitor information center right by the ship and Mount M. in the distance.

 

Good information in case of an emergency evacuation due to tsunami.

 

You start on this leisurely walk along the shore.  No hurrying here!

 

The beginning of the hike.  Here it was a paved pathway.

 

An interesting statue just off shore. 

 

As you went along this circular path around the mountain the path became rougher and you had to watch your step carefully. 

 

The scenery was beautiful, though.

 

 

As we came around the mountain we got to see the beach everyone was enjoying.  

 

 

Here is one of my favorite photos.  A rock formation that looked like a kiwi bird to me.  It even had what looked like a beak on it made with some type of vine or branch.

 

At the end of the hike we walked past a campground at the base of the mountain.  Looks like a nice spot to enjoy the water and the mountain.  Some hikers walked up to the top but we weren't equipped for that.

 

 

 

On into the town.

 

And from 2013 a few more photos of the town itself.  A nice park.

 

 

Everybody needs a bench now and then.

 

A Wi-Fi hotspot for tourists and crew members, perhaps even locals too.

 

I'm ready to go back

Great pictures. Been there once. Probably told this story before but was on a private snorkeling excursion where we snorkeled in 30 ft water. Even though we wore snorkel vest one person panicked when they entered the water from the sailboat and it took the three crew members to get them out of the water! The person thought we would be snorkeling in knee deep water!

[Heartgrove]

@Quartzsite Cruiser Thanks Lenda. It is so ironic after two dogs that needed the slick hardwood floors covered. Sam required them because of needing traction for his front legs, but Juno (Sam's predecessor) acted like she was stepping on "ice." Eight years combined of being covered - but I wish that I could have them again!

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

I can only imagine what comments Redneck Bob will have..

I hope I did not disappoint.

[RedneckBob]

48 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good sunny morning from central Texas.  It is 72F with calm winds.  The humidity is 92% with a dew point of 70F.  Our predicted high will go back and forth between 90F and 91F with 6 to 10 mph winds.  That will be a nice afternoon outside in the shade if I get the house cleaned in time.

 

While our individual rights are important, I believe it is also important to protect the rights of others.  I'm also for no more nuclear tests.  While I don't use many herbs, I try to cook with less salt. and I only add it to certain cooked food.

 

I totally agree with the Mark Twain quote, but also agree that we need to protect and help those that are less fortunate.

 

I'm waiting for Eva's @superoma recipes before I decide about the meal of the day.  However, we'll pass on the drink and the wine.

 

We have not been to Tauranga, but hopefully some day.

 

Today in 1865 was a good day for Brazil who gained their independence.  In 1966. it was a sad day for Beatles fans.

 

@TiogaCruiser  Thanks for the pictures from Saguenay, Laura.

@StLouisCruisers  Enjoyed your pictures today, Sandi.

@Heartgrove  Jack, I'm glad your DSIL will be coming home on Saturday.  When they inspected our house after DH's rehab, they also wanted the rugs and bathmats removed.  However, when we pointed out one rug covered a wire that was a tripping hazard, and that our tile floors were slick when wet, they okayed the rug and the bathmat in front of the shower.  Sometimes, you have to use common sense to figure out what is best. 

@smitty34877  Terry, I'm glad Tana is able to eat even if it's small portions.  It's hard to believe the cute little girl in the picture is the little baby we all worried about several years ago.  She has really grown up fast.

@Seasick Sailor  Joy, I hadn't heard about the typhoon in Japan.  Just like hurricane season picks up here in September, typhoon season picks up in Japan at the same time.  I'm glad you DS sounds stronger, and I hope she gets the second surgery soon.

@marsjack  Annie, I laughed at your picture.  Iceland is lovely in the summer, and is not all that cold then.  I hope you can get there.

@Mtn2Sea  Thanks for the pictures.  What a crazy motorcycle.

@Haljo1935  Elizabeth, I hope you are correct about only needing more water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

 

No, that’s not my bbq grill. My grill is attached to a Yugo and only can cook hot dogs!

[RedneckBob]

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

[seagarsmoker]

1 hour ago, Cruzin Terri said:

 

I will say it is good to be home.  I will also say that Courtyard by Marriott needs to invest in new pillows.  They are the worst.  I always say that I am going to bring my own and then forget.  Don’t remember until I get there. Even DH, who can sleep through anything was complaining about the pillows on this trip.

 

Yesterday was a very tiring day.  Glad I had a good night’s sleep last night.  I feel refreshed and ready to start the day.

 

Hope all is well with everyone.

God Bless,

Terri

Terri, I have the same issue with about 99% of the hotels I stay at. I have a "travel" pillow that I leave in my garment suitcase (it fits in a separate zippered section) so I always have it. 

[cruising sister]

Good morning,

it will be another hot day with heat index above 100. We will cool down into the high 70’s next week. I look forward to the cool weather. I was in today’s port on the GANZ and went on a private tour and kiwi tasting. It ended up being just Caron and I which was nice. It was funny to see how kiwis grow on vines like grapes. We tasted a red kiwi which was sweet and delicious. I hope they will import them here soon. They mostly go to the Japanese market. At least we can get the golden ones here now. 
 

Prayers and well wishes to all. Have a great day. 

[cruising sister]

1 minute ago, seagarsmoker said:

Terri, I have the same issue with about 99% of the hotels I stay at. I have a "travel" pillow that I leave in my garment suitcase (it fits in a separate zippered section) so I always have it. 

I brought my own pillow on the GANZ. I could not go 94 days with a bad pillow. 

[RMLincoln]

Made it home yesterday. This was sunrise coming into Boston yesterday. It felt strangely warm. By the time we drove home it felt OMG hot! 94 at 3:30!  

 

It’ll be a busy day trying to re-orient.  Thank you all for your continued good thoughts and support. It’ll take awhile to try to get caught up. I’m happy for seeing some good news posted, sad for other news….  sending blessings for all in need of healing, comfort or hope!  
 

We had a very pleasant cruise on Emerald Princess to Newfoundland and Greenland. It was a very last minute booking!  We booked on Tuesday, drove to Boston Saturday, embarked Sunday. That was all pretty smooth!  Because a bunking barge was not available in Boston, we were refueled by trucks!  (Saw yesterday as we were getting off, there were fuel trucks lined up again!) Very, very slow so our departure was delayed until late Monday. But we spent all Monday in Boston and had a most pleasant day visiting there; Princess arranged a complimentary shuttle. Nice! Sydney NS port call was cancelled. We left Monday, late, we were hours late getting to Corner Brook NL but DH and I were  just so happy to be aboard!  
 

Upon embarkation we requested to be waitlisted for the one excursion we really wanted- the half day tour to the Viking Site from St Anthony NL. On board the price was about $100 more than advertised pre-cruise!  We cleared the waitlist and paid $359 each for a 4 hr tour. I thought that was crazy but we did it and we’re glad to have had the chance. (There was one tour in Greenland that was $789 to a natural hot spring!). 
 

Greenland had 3 ports but we only got into 2: Nuuk the capital we docked; Qacortoq we tendered. We had a lot of fog all around Greenland coast. Too foggy to tender into the 3rd port. Greenland was special to visit, absorb the history and the stark landscape. I walked to a place where I could visit with my “friends” the rocks! (I’m a geologist).  Very special.  We saw a lot of icebergs, so interesting, very different from Alaska. Temps were quite chilly there, 32F one morning but mostly around 40F, felt great to us old mountain dwellers!  
 

On the way back we stopped at St Anthony on the northern tip of Newfoundland, it felt warm at 50F, but rainy and I had twisted my back the day before so it was an uncomfortable day but I’m still very glad we got to visit the site. And I was ever glad to have my walking stick!  I shan’t leave home without it! 
 

St John’s Newfoundland was our last port and we visited friends there!  Friends we’ve been trying to get to since 2019.  Lots of life delayed our visit but it was golden to spend the day with them!  
 

This cruise was a 70th birthday celebration for me!  It was grand. It felt like “old times” and I let the burdens of the recent years melt away while celebrating that I’ve made it this far, we’ve made it this far together!  
 

DH’s eye pressures have remained low!  We took advantage of this plateau to grab this trip!  It’s been a lot of living through life to be here especially the last 5 years, and I’m so grateful for all the direction, support and miracles that have poured into our lives to get us to today.  
 

I’ll write more as I get re-oriented. I’m very glad to be back in touch with my Dailyite family!  Thanks for being here! 
Later, Maureen
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[superoma]

Sorry I am late today. Left very early to get to Costco before the crowds and to my vegetable merchant. We have company arriving from Virginia later today and I needed some last minute things.

 

Grilled eggplant and summer squash salad

 

Grilled Eggplant & Summer Squash Salad
 

 

 

Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Recipe

 

This one uses zucchini