Cruising-along

Thank you Lenda -- I did get some good news about Amber! She has a long way to go, of course, and we don't know yet if there will be any permanent damage, but last night she was alert for the first time and making eye contact. She seemed to process what had happened and where the children were (with BFF). After first being emotional, she calmed herself down. So a step forward! I told BFF about the Care List we have, and the prayers coming -- she was so very thankful! I'm very glad to hear that your cyst isn't calcified and no surgery is needed! Yay!

Good morning all! We're having another beautiful sunny day. Maybe we'll even bbq tonight. Interesting collection of days, I would try the drink but pass on the meal (give me plain old grilled cheese please) and red wine. We were in Sydney last month for 2 days. The first day we had a private tour to a wildlife park and Blue Mountains and the 2nd day we had a tour of the Opera House and Sydney. I tried to find photos that haven't already been posted. Jacqui @kazu I was so happy to hear your good report. Now go on your cruise and enjoy! I haven't heard more news about Amber, but will contact BFF today. I'm trying not to bother her too often, because as she said, they're "just trying to keep on keeping on". She knows I'm available for anything -- we live over an hour apart, but I'd go up in a heartbeat. I also know she has lots of family and friends who are close by and offering help. Koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park Tasmanian Devil (note heart on his side) Three Sisters at Blue Mountains Boar's Head Lookout, Blue Mountains Walk through the woods Blue Mountains Waterfall Blue Mountains Giant Palms Bondi Beach Interior of Opera House (we weren't allowed to take photos inside concert halls that day) The tiles are self-cleaning with a special coating so rain washes all the dirt etc. into the drains Evening view of Sydney from our balcony

On our recent Grand Australia/NZ cruise they closed down the Pinnacle Grill one day (lunch and dinner) because the President's Club wanted the waiters for a special occasion. All reservations were canceled that day.

Good morning all! We'll have 3 days of beautiful sunshine and temps up to the mid 60's -- yay! Yesterday I had to laugh -- I always hang a windsock and change it for the season/holiday. After hanging it yesterday, it set off the security camera every time the breeze made it move.....hanging them involves getting up on a ladder, so out came the ladder again so I could move it (DH was working) Thankfully he'll be home to help me hang the heavy Fuchsia this week. That's something I won't do alone. 🙂 I don't think anyone in our family has ever had a Mustang. Will pass on the drink, red wine and Rhubarb pie. I would love pie for a meal, just not Rhubarb. We've been to Taormina a few times and have a lot of photos, but they would be too much like Sandi's and Lenda's so will pass on posting them. The latest I heard about Amber is that she had a stroke while in the hospital -- no other news yet today. But BFF is overwhelmed, I'm sure, with the Grandkids and just everything. Those poor kids 😞 I appreciate the prayers! Jacqui @kazu I'm SO sorry to hear that your foot isn't any better and that you may have to cancel your cruise 😞 Prayers that everything gets much better and you get better news from your doctor. @LambKnuckles Glad to hear you're feeling better! Those coughs can certainly linger on. Annie @marshhawk Yikes about your fall! I'm sorry you had a rough night with the aches and pains, and join you in the relief nothing is broken. Gerry @ger_77 My condolences on the death of your best friend from high school and your classmate. Welcome to the Daily @Gsel!

Thank you Lenda. No, it doesn't sound good. 😞 I agree, which makes me wonder if this came on more recently, or maybe is Encephalitis (?) I'm pretty certain she saw her doctor regularly. I'll learn more, but right now my BFF is so busy helping out with the Grandkids so their Dad and Amber's parents can be with her, that I'm learning piece-meal.

Thank you so much, Vanessa. She needs lots of prayers... I heard from BFF this morning. Amber was transported from the Bellingham hospital down to Seattle late last night/early early morning where she can get better neurological care. She said the main thing right now is to pray that Amber will come out of this without permanent organ damage due to untreated high blood pressure for who knows how long and now brain swelling. 😞 I don't know if they've been able to get an MRI done, apparently when they tried before, she became too agitated and they had to stop. I hope to hear something more today. The sun has come out, so I'm headed outside for some garden therapy.

Good morning all! Today will only get to the low 50's and wet this morning, but tomorrow will warm up and we'll have a string of sunny days. At least the bulbs I planted are getting watered-in. I'll celebrate Emancipation Day and Bean Counter Day (DH was an accountant), will pass on the red wine and meal but would like the drink. Have not been to Whitehorse. I haven't heard any more news from BFF about her hospitalized DIL, I'll contact her later today if I don't hear more. I'm afraid it sounded very bad and I'm worried for them. 😞 Prayers for all on the Care List and cheers for all who are celebrating today.

We have used Luggage Forward several times, most recently before and after the Grand Australia/NZ. Bags were picked up at our home in mid December '23 and delivered to our home last week after the cruise. Absolutely no problems, I would (and will) use the service again in a heartbeat! They do have some restrictions such as no alcohol, no food, no medications OTC or prescribed, no lithium batteries...

In 2019 on the Nieuw Statendam our wonderful stewards made towel animals every night of the 39-day cruise. Here are a few of my favorites. Watching TV Giant lobster Under the bed near the end of the cruise.

Thank you Lenda, I hope so too. Today has been busy, but I feel like I'm finally getting caught up on everything that needs doing. It did hurt to send out the payments on both our county taxes and IRS all the same day though. 😲 And I got some alarming news from my BFF. Her DIL is in the hospital -- extremely high blood pressure and now brain swelling (!!) I'm so worried about her, and of course her family are all in shock. She's only in her early 40's and always seemed to be in good health. She has had some stress lately, I do wonder if that's the reason. 😞

Good morning all! Very cynical and shallow quote, would try the drink, but pass on the red wine. Also would try the meal (as a side dish) but add the beets. We have been to Manzanillo once, and I agree with others that McDonald's isn't good for anyone, especially those with heart problems, Diabetes, or on low sodium diets for kidney issues. It has been kind of a stressful morning. We've booked a get-away with the DGSs for their birthdays next month, going to a well-known indoor water park. Today we tried adding on a cabana for the day and the person (who obviously doesn't live here) could not understand what we wanted. Every confirmation email he sent was incorrect. We finally gave up and will settle it when we get there -- at least we have some sort of confirmation we have the cabana. It would have been easily done if only we could have booked it online, but that isn't possible. Also our electric bill is all messed up. We're on the budget plan, paying the same amount every month. We paid ahead for the 3 months we were gone, and they've put it in as a credit....and now our new budget payment is $5.....Again, the person didn't "get it". Our neighbor's bill was also messed up, so I think they're having a billing problem and don't know it. Looking forward to getting some gardening therapy this afternoon after the rain stops! Yesterday I got some of the bulbs planted, now I need to get the rest done. Annie @marshhawk you were asking what I'd do with all that NZ sheep's wool that our wine bottles were wrapped in -- my neighbor is an excellent seamstress and is excited to have them. She already has ideas about what to use it for. 🙂 Sandi @StLouisCruisers Prayers for a full and easy recovery for your twin Linda.

Thank you for re-posting for me, it's gorgeous and I like the difference from the usual red colors! 🙂 Well we're home from Costco, and tonight we'll be having Australian Lamb Chops! Yes, I had lamb as often as it was offered during the cruise, so it really sounds good. Also they had their hanging baskets out so I got a Fuchsia and some summer bulbs (as if I needed them) LOL.

I'm sure I didn't see it, Sandi -- I missed a lot while we were gone. If you'd like to re-post it (or let me know what day you posted it, I'd love to see it). BTW, I brought my big counted cross stitch project on the cruise and only got a tiny bit done on it LOL! One reason was the lighting wasn't as good as I have at home (thinking of getting one of those little light/magnifier thingies to put on my head and bring on cruises!) and another reason was there was always something going on so there wasn't a lot of time to work on it.

Good morning all! We have another sunny day heading to 60 (I'll take it!) but "frozen mix" is predicted on Tuesday....looking forward to warmer night-time temperatures. DH and I have many moments of laughter every day, and no ex-spouses here thank goodness. Here's a video I took of an amazing show some dolphins put on for us as we left Komodo Island heading back to Australia: Hmm, not sure why this posted as a photo, it should be a video... Will pass on the meal, drink and red wine and haven't been to Japan. Thanks for the photos! Lorraine @cruising sister Good to hear from you! I know what you mean about getting teary at the love and excitement from the grands. 🙂 And thank you for the update about Murphy -- she's a fighter! @Denise T Oh my about that neighbor 😞 We have a similar neighbor but thankfully he's at the end of the street so doesn't bother us. I'm so sorry, you shouldn't have to live in fear or go to the trouble of moving -- but I agree, the police won't do anything. 😞 They tell us here that their hands are tied. Bad situation. Bon Voyage Lisa @LAFFNVEGAS! @LambKnuckles Sorry to hear you have bronchitis -- get well soon 🙂 Sandi @StLouisCruisers Another great tree, love it! On the agenda today is more gardening and a trip to Costco to get seafood and steak. Most likely I'll see other things we "need" too. 😉

That's great Sandi! (I'm on meds and it still goes higher at the doctor's office -- "white coat syndrome" 😞) I was on for much longer than a month, never stopped until I stopped that medication. My sister has been on it for years (and still has a cough but I guess it doesn't bother her) 😉 DD, DSIL and the grandsons are in San Diego this week for spring break. They just sighted the Zaandam and sent me this photo. 🙂

Good morning all! When I woke up this morning I heard a noise downstairs. Unfortunately it was the Eufy Robovac running around again (when we came home from being away for 3 months we found it in the middle of the living room with a dead battery). 😉 It's only the 3rd time it's done this since we got it last year, so not sure what to do. After Googling it, I found that others have had the same problem. I only bought it because my sister raved about hers...but I'm thinking it's more trouble than it's worth! 😅 Good selection of days. My sister and I play Scrabble at family gatherings, and it can get quite rowdy. 😉 Will pass on the food, drink and red wine. Not a big fan of the Caribbean, we've been to Oranjestad only once. Thank you Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser and Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the great photos. Yesterday I got all 4 bags unpacked other than DH's clothes (he's working yesterday and today at the Mariners games) and got the laundry done. So today it's gardening! Today and tomorrow are supposed to be very nice -- I may even visit the nursery to pick up some annuals. Welcome to the Daily @ORTravelGal! We're happy to have you here. Sandi @StLouisCruisers do you take Lisinopril for blood pressure by any chance? It's well-known to cause a cough (I won't take it because I had an annoying cough when taking it). Bon Voyage Maxine @AncientWanderer! @Cruzin Terri I'm very sorry to hear about the death of your friend Anita. Bruno @atexsix Condolences on the death of your Dad. You were an amazing, loving caregiver. Melanie @puppycanducruise Condolences on the death of your friend. Welcome home @ocean sounds, @SusieKIslandGirl and @Heartgrove!

Bruno, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dear Dad. You were such a good caregiver. Thank you for letting us know, sending you virtual hugs and sympathy.

Welcome @LambKnuckles, I hope you'll continue to post-- the more the merrier!

Good morning all! Looks like it will be a cloudy but dry day today, not raining like I thought it would -- even up to the low 60's and sunny through the weekend. So I should be unpacking those 4 suitcases, but it will be hard to stay inside. Also there's laundry to do.... I'll pass on the meal, drink and red wine. One of our good friends lives in Cozumel and we've been there at least once on a cruise. We had plans to be there again this fall on a Celebrity cruise, but will be canceling that one. Susan @durangoscots We still feel the ship move too. But not when I'm trying to sleep! Sure miss the great sleep on a BHB. Cheers to all who are celebrating and prayers for all on the care list. Have a great day!

Just disembarked on Saturday after sailing her for 94 days on the Grand Australia/NZ. On that cruise we were kept so busy with lectures, port talks, classes and much more, that we didn't miss the extras that the larger ships have such as more restaurants and entertainment. What we did miss were more electrical outlets in our cabin. DH uses a cpap and the Volendam doesn't have outlets by the bed. So we had an extension cord going from the bed, across the ceiling (with magnetic hooks) to the outlets on the desk.

I've been wondering too. They included a few ideas such as "upcycling them into wine gift bags, repurpose as planters or weed mats, use to store your bottles at home". There's a lot of it, so I need ideas 😉

Luggage Forward delivered the 4 bags and 1 box this afternoon, it looks like the luggage came through just fine. Now to unpack it all! About an hour later the wine we bought in NZ arrived -- each bottle is in a sleeve of 100% NZ sheep's wool! What a great idea. Between the wool and the egg crate packing, all 15 bottles came though just fine too.

Good morning all! I've always liked the song Louie Louie, and it's my "State Rock Song". There was a big movement trying to get it as the State Song, but I guess they compromised. Since I cleaned out the pantry before we left on the GANZ, it doesn't need it now, but I'm sure it will before long. We haven't had a pet since 2011 when our 17-year-old kitty passed and we started taking longer cruises. But we have 2 Grand Dogs and 2 Grand Kitties. Pepper and Rogue, DS's pups Soot and Smudge, DD's kitties watching the squirrel through the window. I also have a video of their tails swishing back and forth, back and forth. Look at the expression in those ears! I would probably like the drink, but will pass on the sweet wine and the meal. It would be a lot easier to just eat a Chicken Caesar Salad and have a roll on the side. 🤣 I don't think I've ever been to Norfolk, and definitely not on a cruise. Vanessa @JazzyV I missed it while we were gone -- you're having surgery on the 22nd? Prayers that this will finally give you the relief you deserve! @Haljo1935 Happy Birthday to your DH! This is also our son's birthday (50th!!) How could he be that old when I'm only 35??? Terry @smitty34877 I'm glad to hear that Tana is doing a little better today. Prayers that this continues. @Cruzin Terri I hope you and your DH get some good news at his appointment today. Yesterday I spent all afternoon in the yard doing tons of weeding and general clean-up. Much needed after being gone 3 months. I filled the tall yard waste bin, and was hurting last night! Today the aches are gone, and we'll have rain for a couple days so it will be Saturday before I can go work on it again. Our Luggage Forward site says our bags are in Marysville, only 15 minutes away. I hope they'll give us some idea of a time frame today. The NZ wine will be delivered between 10-2. 🙂

Good morning all! Today is the only sunny day this week, so I'm going to take advantage of that and try to do some gardening. It's also a lull in the week because tomorrow our 4 bags will arrive from Luggage Forward (plus the 15 bottles of NZ wine!) So a lot of unpacking in my future. Good days, and I will celebrate Sibling Day. I have 2 older sisters, the eldest passed away in 2011 after a 10-year battle with Lymphoma. I miss her a lot. She and I had a lot in common, including a love of gardening and travel. Will pass on the meal, would try the drink out of curiosity, and pass on the red wine. Have not been to this port, but would love to go. Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the as always great photos. These are some of my favorite photos with my sisters. I'm the baby here. We were at Mt. Baker, our Dad's favorite place. When our sister was fighting cancer, every time she went into remission we did a "Sisters' Weekend". We chose a different location every time.

Right now my favorite is my most recent cruise, the 94-day Grand Australia/New Zealand. Other than Hawaii, all the ports were new for us (South Pacific, Australia, NZ and French Polynesia). A close 2nd place would be the 65-day European B2B in 2019. We have the 28-day Alaska booked for next year, and hope to do the 2026 World Cruise to hit some more ports in our bucket list. Oops! Almost forgot another one, the awesome 38-day Voyage of the Vikings. I could do that one again in a heartbeat!