Sharon in AZ

Bon Voyage!

Lenda, thank you for the comment about my DM. She is so deaf that there would be no way she could continue functioning through all of her appointments and understand everything. Thanks for the advice about the CPAP. He actually has a physical next week, so we will see what the doctor says. However, this has been going on for 20 years and I've learned you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'll try to gently suggest......

Sandi, I thought that the Volendam was going to be at Half Moon Cay on Friday. Maybe I'm wrong.....

Good morning and Happy Wednesday from a cloudy Tucson. It’s supposed to rain today. I’m taking it easy today after being so busy lately. The past few days have been filled with appointments and errands with DM. It’s really tough when I have so many consecutive days with her, especially with so much driving around. But the good part is that her taxes and physical and lung CT and banking and dermatology are all done for the year. We also went to the DMV and got a handicapped placard. Next week is the Lung CT follow up with the radiation oncologist and her hair appointment. Then I think I’m done until I get back from my cruise. I do have a few things to do for her— crazy, she got a federal jury notice that I have to deal with and schedule her dental and ENT appointments. Sorry for the rant but it helps telling my friends. Debbie @dfish, thank you for the recipes. I’m not a big fan of curry but these look really good. I’m going to check out the first recipe with the brown sugar. Sandi @StLouisCruisers, congratulations to Ren! I noticed the deeper blue bubble last night when I was catching up with the Daily. Not sure if I like it but I’ll get used to it. Gerry @ger_77, Craig had the same issues using a CPAP. He ended up just not using it at all and now it sits in a closet. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I know I missed some birthday’s and celebrations lately so Happy to everyone I missed. Have a great day!

Thank you Jacqui! I’m getting excited!

Annie, I’m doing the tea in Victoria with Jane @lazey1. I probably wouldn’t do it but I’m using my HIA excursion credits. I’m actually going to Victoria twice and the second time I’m going to Butchart Gardens, hopefully Jane will join me on that one too. The smoking area on HAL ships is the Seaview Bar area and I think you will enjoy it. My DM loved going there for her smokes because it was such a nice area and you really can see the view of the sea.

Good morning and Happy Sunday from a non day light savings Tucson. I double checked all the clocks including my iPhone, iPad and Fitbit to make sure they didn’t change because sometimes they do if I don’t have the right setting set. Today is a lovely day and I actually heard the quail chirping in happiness when I took Blue outside this morning. I have some basil that I need to plant so will celebrate plant a flower day by doing that. Because they do flower if you let them grow. I was in Girl Scouts for a few years. I wish I knew more about my ancestors. I have made the American goulash version of today’s meal suggestion but it’s been a while. Happy Birthday to Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser and Mitzi @Overhead Fred!! Enjoy! 🎈🎈🎈 Sandi @StLouisCruisers, such good news about the financial help for your DB’s meds! I can totally relate because a foundation is paying for my very expensive psoriasis meds. You really have to jump through hoops to qualify but well worth it in the end. Have a great day everyone!

Bon Voyage!!

Hi Jacqui! I have added a 4 Day Cruise to my 21 day PC Cruise on the Volendam April 15th, so I guess it's considered a B2B. This is the info: Volendam 4-Day Pacific Northwest Cruise, roundtrip Vancouver May 6 - 10, 2023

Yes the balcony is smaller. Check out halfacts dot com for pictures. I just checked and there aren’t any of the Nieuw Statendam but check out the one on the Koningsdam 10031 — that will give you a visual on the size.

Good morning and Happy Wednesday. I like to think that I’m good at proofreading but sometimes I miss things. It does irk me when I see an error in something that was published, especially a book. Thanks to all the women who make this world go around, each in their own way. The meal suggestion sounds good but we are having rabbit ragu over spaghetti. I found a container of it in the freezer yesterday. It’s one of Craig’s favorites. St John, NF looks beautiful and I wish I was going there soon. Andrew Zimmern has an episode of one of his shows about the food. If you have Discovery plus you could probably find it to watch. Have a great day everyone!

Bon Voyage!

Good morning everyone and Happy Tuesday. Yesterday was spent with DM taking her to an appointment and shopping. My back seat was filled with her shopping that I had accumulated over the past few weeks and she still needed some more things, like makeup and laundry soap. Cracks me up that she is so picky about her makeup products and routine. Afterward we went to lunch. The next few weeks she has a lot of appointments. I wish they were spread out more evenly. I like the days today but will skip the Pad Thai. We had pork chops the other day so that’s the extent I’ll celebrate pork roast. 😉 I made pork roast once and didn’t like it so now just stick with bone in chops. Bob @RedneckBob - Happy Birthday! 🎈🎈🎈 Dixie @summer slope - so good to hear Bailey is doing so much better! Have a great day!

Rich, thank you for your reply. I wondered how FCC’s would impact the WC. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.

Good afternoon! I'm late today, we spent a lot of time on fixing our printer, at least Craig spent a lot of time on fixing our printer. So much so that we ditched our plans for grilled pork chops that I have been marinating for a day. We will have them tonight instead and just have a light lunch. It sort of messed up our relaxing time and made for a weird Sunday. I am so happy that I am not named for either of my grandmothers, Edith and Helen. My DM and DF really wanted to name me Honey but I really think it was a joke because it goes with my Maiden name. I need to ask DM again why she thought it was so cute. However I am glad that I have the name I have and not a nickname. In fact, I made sure that my children did have names that could become nicknames. The weird thing is that my brother and I have rhyming middle names. Not sure why that happened. I haven't read the entire Daily so am wishing everyone well and cheers to those celebrating. Have a great day!

Bon Voyage ⛴⛴⛴

Good afternoon. Slept okay until about 4:30am so started reading the Daily and other stuff until 7:15, fell asleep until 9:15. Disjointed but okay. Our weather is starting to turn and become more seasonal. Thank goodness. I like all the days. I was in band for a few years as a teen and since it was a small town in Colorado that also made you a member of marching band. I loved marching band much more than just band. The chili sounds good and my favorite recipe is from the Crock pot cookbook I got as a wedding gift. It uses pinto beans, which I prefer over kidney beans. We have been to San Juan several times and our favorite was when we did a round trip cruise from there. I loved the hotel we stayed at, it had an open ceiling in the lobby, much like one we stayed in Hawaii. I don't have pictures, this was pre cell phone. I spent most of yesterday planning cruise stuff for April and May. I sure hope I like being in an inside cabin for 25 days. I don't think I'll mind because I like it really dark when I sleep. Have a great day!

Checking in

Bon Voyage ⛴⛴⛴

I actually thought the high tops were more comfortable than the regular tables. And, yes, the lighting is dimmer at dinner. No candles though.

Sounds like my Mom! No sense arguing with her either!

Craig says we got 4 inches maybe 5. Of course it depends upon where you are and where the reporting is. Very unusual for us, especially in March. If I wanted snow I'd still be living in Colorado.

The shows are pretty regular and you can probably find many Daily program postings on live from threads. You might even search for a past live from a TA. I don't think they change too much outside of the box for a TA.

Was just on the Nieuw Statendam in October and we ate at CO for breakfast and dinner. There are two tables in the back set for two people. We were seated at those two tops frequently but I really liked the high top tables set for four.

The Dutch Cafe is not what I would consider a "dining" venue. It has limited hours and a limited menu. From the HAL website https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/dining/grand-dutch-cafe.html Looking for a refreshing pick-me-up on an adventure-filled day? The Grand Dutch Cafe is for you. Located just off the atrium area, it’s the perfect spot to connect with friends over a cold beer, coffee or other Dutch specialty beverages, such as Genever and Advoccaat, and a snack. Choose from among 16 Belgian and Dutch beers (four on tap) and a variety of spirits or enjoy your favorite coffee beverage with complimentary Dutch snacks. For heartier appetites, there are made-to-order Dutch specialties from open-faced herring sandwiches to apple and bacon pancakes. Just place your order at the counter; anything we prepare will be brought to your table. Make sure to try the pea soup.... it's wonderful!