Cruising-along
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Posts posted by Cruising-along
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Good morning all!
It's a beautiful morning, lots of sunshine for the whole day. I was going to get my hair cut today (very much needed, last time was on the ship 6 weeks ago) but I've decided to put it off until tomorrow when the weather isn't as nice. 😉
I'll pass on the drink but would like the wine and the meal -- especially the last recipe. Have never been to Japan, thanks for ANY photos!
HAPPY VICTORIA DAY to our Canadian friends! DH was commenting on the number of Canadian license plates on the road (we live fairly close to the border) I was able to inform him of the holiday because I learned it here 😉 People out and about, and shopping!
Lorraine @cruising sister Darn, I didn't like hearing that you've canceled the '26 World. I knew it was a possibility, from talking to you, but I'm still disappointed we won't be seeing you. 😞 BTW, I see that you and Caron @Cruiserclwill be on another cruise with Carla! I'm sure she'll come up with some fabulous private tours like she did for the GANZ! Jealous!
@Heartgrove I'm so sorry to hear that Sam fell down the stairs -- so sad to see our pets failing. 😞
@marshhawk Wow on Mama cat in heat already! I'm looking forward to any kitten photos you can share. 🙂
Sandi @StLouisCruisers Those cake displays always overwhelm me haha -- and I always seem to choose one that isn't so great. Your choices sounded great!
For the Garden Club, thought I'd get a pic of these Azaleas before they fade. 🙂
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Good morning all!
Another cloudy morning, but we expect some "rays" this afternoon and better tomorrow. I think we're getting the "June Gloom" early this year.
I'd like to try the drink but will pass on the Merlot. The meal sounds good (minus the avocado) and I've never been to the Conflict Islands.
Last night DH and I watched the 90-minute video we bought on the Grand Australia. A big thanks to Rich @richwmn for helping us get it. We had bought one onboard, and of course couldn't look at it until we got home. It was a bad recording and stopped around 30 minutes in. 😞 Since Rich was on the Volendam for another month, he sped up the process we'd started with Guest Services (they were getting nowhere) and we now have a good recording. 🙂 I even recognized a few faces on the video.
Today will be more gardening and general puttering. Slowly getting food together for when we take the DGSs to the water park on Wednesday-Friday. Never can have too much food for them!
@1ANGELCAT Prayers for your friend Shirl. It's a difficult time for her and her family.
@Cruzin Terri I'm sorry you've been ill.
Debbie @dfish I absolutely love your new patio furniture! Kudos for getting it all put together.
@Nickelpenny How awful that someone came right onto your patio and stole those things. I would feel violated too. 😡
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Good morning all!
It's another cloudy, drippy morning here but the sun is supposed to make an appearance this afternoon and tomorrow looks good. The birds have been busy around my yard building nests -- as long as they stay out of my Fuschia baskets that's fine. There are plenty of other spots but they love the Fuschias, and that causes a lot of problems.
A great selection of days today. I'll pass on the red wine and drink, but do like Asparagus so would try the meal as long as garlic is substituted for the tarragon. I couldn't see the last recipe unfortunately. I usually make asparagus with parmesan, garlic and lemon juice.
A strange quote even for Joan Rivers. Kind of depressing. 😞
We were supposed to go to Rarotonga on the GANZ, but couldn't tender in. 😞 I was looking forward to taking the bus around the island as recommended by Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser and Sandi @StLouisCruisers. That port isn't on the '26 World cruise.
DH and I met in Monterey, CA 56 years ago today. Hard to believe that much time has gone by!!
The latest on Amber is that she might be discharged from rehab in a week -- my BFF thinks that's too soon, so we'll see what happens.
Happy 50th anniversary @Norseh2o!
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43 minutes ago, Sea Viewer said:
Sorry to hear that DH has a cold. I have heard that there is some evidence that Zinc will shorten cold symptoms. Maybe worth a try, although I have to say the taste isn't very nice.
I truly believe that Zinc helps shorten colds. In the past I always got the worst colds that lasted close to a couple weeks. For years now I've taken daily Zinc tablets (and when I do get a cold, I take Zinc lozenges too).
34 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:Thank you Sharon! I know the boys will love it so that's all that matters. We're going mid-way between their birthdays (the youngest will turn 9 on June 2).
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Good morning all!
We may have a break today in the rain (but needed what we got yesterday). Partly sunny and high of 60. Not too bad.
Congratulations to all graduates, not really a fan of walnuts (probably the only nut I don't care for), and like Sharon @Sharon in AZ I ask for Pinot Grigio when Sauvignon Blanc isn't available. The meal sounds yummy, will pass on the red wine, and would try the drink if someone else made it. I'd leave out the marshmallow though. Interesting drink, an adult S'more. 😉 The only Indonesian port we've been to is Komodo Island.
Not much on the agenda today, just cruise planning and also planning a 2-day get away next week with the DGSs. We're taking them to a large indoor water park for their birthdays....I'm sure DH and I will need a week afterwards to recuperate!
Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser I have been meaning to tell you how much I enjoy the memes you post! I've never seen any of them before, which is unusual.
Gerry @ger_77 Oh no about your DH's cold. I hope it doesn't last and won't affect the surgery.
Debbie @dfish Don't you just hate it when there are no instructions. Kudos to you for figuring it all out!
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42 minutes ago, bennybear said:
Happy birthday to your DGS @Cruising-along! How exciting about the world cruise!
Thank you Brenda!
Today the company that installed our furnace and A/C came out to do the yearly check. While here he reminded us that my plants and flowers have to be a minimum of 3 feet from the A/C or the warranty would be voided -- hmm. So this afternoon I ripped out ferns (they pop up everywhere naturally, I never planted them), and cut back an Azalea that was getting close to being too close, along with several other things. I had forgotten all about that rule, and honestly this would have been the first time I could have gotten back there anyway (weather). It will be at least another month or longer before we need the A/C so no harm done. I hate ripping out perfectly good plants, but...
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23 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:
Carolyn, please wish your grandson a 🎈 VERY HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY 🎈 for us.
Thank you Lenda, I will! 🙂
24 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:Oh that's awesome! We'll be late to the party, but after we do that part, we'll have circumnavigated the globe.
Some years ago we rented a car in Lisbon and drove south and around back to Lisbon. We fell in love with Portugal. This time we'll head north.
I'm thrilled you'll be onboard! 😊
And I'm thrilled to meet you -- as I recall, there was a near-miss not long ago. 🙂
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1 minute ago, AncientWanderer said:
Are you doing that, too?! Just that segment or others as well?
We're going to do the whole thing! 🤞 (I can barely believe it). Our first world cruise. It's the first one that has ever tempted us 🙂
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32 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:
This morning, we put a hold on a world cruise segment for 2026 -- Singapore to Lisbon. Just what we've been wanting -- to spend time in Singapore and rent a car in Lisbon. I hope it goes!
Yay, it will be great to meet you!
41 minutes ago, grapau27 said:Thank you Graham! I can't believe 11 years have gone by.
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Good morning all!
Three worthy days to celebrate today. I'll pass on the red wine and the meal, but would like to try the drink. Have not been to Seoul, thank you Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser for the great photos.
Today is also our oldest grandson's 11th birthday. Where has the time gone??
Our weather has turned cloudy, drippy and cooler, so no gardening today unless it improves this afternoon. We do have to get groceries, but that's all on the agenda for now.
Happy 32nd anniversary Bruce and Sue @aliaschief!
Roy @rafinmd Yikes about the bleeding! Did you take a fall or scrape your hand on something? Take care.
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Good morning all!
A good selection of days. I treasure family time, MPS sounds like a horrid disease, it was fun to see kangaroos in the wild when we were on the Grand Australia. The lemon blueberry bread sounds delicious, but no glaze for me please. Maybe on the drink, and definite yes on the Viognier.
We've been to Athens several times, and stayed pre-cruise for a few days on one trip. It's one of my favorite European destinations. @wandb April-May is my favorite time to go to Greece. The weather is lovely then. Second choice would be Sept-Oct. We had more chance of rain then, but the temperatures are still nice.
Sending prayers for @kazu and @Nickelpenny that they will both have much better days soon! Jacqui it's baffling why the antibiotics haven't helped more...I hope you get some answers pronto!
Yesterday I drove south to watch DGS in his 3rd grade track meet. He got a couple ribbons and had a great time. It's fun watching kids that age, so much energy!
It looks like today will be our last nice day for awhile, so I plan to get outside and play in the garden. One project is nursing a lavender back. When I returned last month from the Grand Australia I found that my lavender (and my neighbor's) didn't do well with the sudden cold snap they had right after we left in January. The middle of my plant died -- but the whole perimeter is fine and has new growth! Talking to nursery people I found that a LOT of people lost their lavenders last winter. But mine is showing new growth, so we'll see what happens!
We've been to Athens several times, the most recently was September and October of 2021so my photos are from that cruise on the Eurodam.
This visit we took the HOHO in Athens one day, some views from the bus
Dionysos Theater
Dionysos Theater and view of Athens
My favorite part of the Acropolis
While on the HOHO we saw a large police presence in the streets. Pretty soon we found out what was going on.
It was a protest by students about funding.
We also went to the Acropolis Museum
Hadrian's Arch. Our first visit to Athens in 2011 there was no fee to enter. Now there is.
We stopped to get some take-out from this restaurant, a favorite from 2011. We were saddened to hear that the beloved patriarch of the family-owned restaurant had passed away in 2018.
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Annie @marshhawk My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry that you and Chuck are going through this -- sending lots of hugs from across the country!
Penny @Nickelpenny I'm sorry your procedure didn't go as planned, I hope tomorrow is better -- sending gentle hugs.
Dixie @summer slope A very happy 58th anniversary! They also said we would never last, but we'll be celebrating 55 years in September. Enjoy!
Today I've been rushing around, trying to get things done before I drive down to watch our 3rd grader DGS in his track meet today. And of course baked cookies to bring with me. Will check back later tonight. 🙂
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Yes it was very popular, we loved it this year and I'm glad to see HAL will be doing it again. I see this one won't go to Komodo Island and has some other changes as well.
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Good morning all!
Our weather has taken a turn, less sunshine and cooler temperatures (only up to the mid 50's today). A few clouds but no rain, so that's fine with me.
Croutons are fine, and I've never seen a frog jumping but we do hear them a lot here lately. Very loud! I like hummus once in awhile and even had some last night at our Mother's Day dinner. Will pass on the meal (where's the beef?) and the drink, but would like the wine if it isn't too sweet. We have been to Gaspe once or twice. It's a special place for me because it's the closest I have come to where my ancestors on DM's side come from. I was delighted to see DM's maiden name everywhere we went in the town.
Yesterday was a very nice day for me, gardening most of the day and then dinner out with the family. From left: DDIL, DS, DD, grandson #2, grandson #1, DSIL, DH and me. And yes, that's a Marlborough NZ wine I'm having. 😉 🙂
Sandi @StLouisCruisers I chuckled when I read what you said about people always sitting in front of you and blocking your view -- I thought that only happened to us 😉 On our last cruise it became a joke with DH and me. No matter where we sat, and no matter how many open seats were left, someone would always come in the last minute and plop down right in front of me. I have been known to change seats when that happens...
Here are a few photos of our visit to Gaspe in 2012.
I really enjoyed these women who welcomed us that day. They not only were talented, but very funny too!
The Maasdam
Some countryside scenery
And a lighthouse
A beautiful, crisp day in Perce. The rest of the photos are "The Rock"
I hope everyone has a great day!
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Good morning all!
I'm very late today. We were up late last night hoping to see the Aurora Borealis but gave up when we heard that the "show" wouldn't begin until around 2 am. We had even driven way out into the country and parked along the road with dozens of other cars. It was perfect, no lights at all. BUT lots of traffic going past for some reason (Saturday night??), so their headlights didn't help. Our neighbor had been out there the night before and got great photos. But all we could see was a definite glow along the horizon, nothing more. I wonder how many of the people out there stayed hours later.
Happy Mother's Day!! We will be going to dinner tonight with the 6 "kids" and grandkids. We've had reservations for weeks, so no problem there. It's a gorgeous day again, so I plan to have a lovely day of gardening -- a perfect day -- gardening and family time.
Every day is plant health for gardeners, I celebrate all nurses and know quite a few retired nurses. I love limericks, in fact much more than poetry. My DM was quite good at writing limericks. Good quote, I'll pass on the red wine but would like the drink and the meal (with a few substitutions). Have not been to Japan. Thank you @bennybear for your great photos.
Our weather has been wonderful -- I may even have to start watering because (gasp) we haven't had rain in awhile. Not happy to hear about the fires in BC though -- so early! Not looking forward to a smoky summer.
@Haljo1935 Happy Birthday to your brother!
The latest news on Amber is that she was "unceremoniously released" from Swedish in Seattle (insurance reasons I'm sure) and her DH took her to Providence Rehab here in Everett. As far as I know there isn't any big news re her status, and still will need that surgery to reattach the skull flap when the time is right. I'm thankful there hasn't been any bad news, and that she's making steps forward. 🙂
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Good morning all!
I'll pass on the drink and wine. Cobb Salad is never my first choice, but if someone else made it (minus avocado) I'd like it. I've never thought of George Carlin as being foul-mouthed, at least not compared to most of the more recent comedians -- but then maybe I just missed those quotes. I've never been to Phuket, but my niece and nephew have been. They were robbed by young men speeding by on bicycles (!) It was quite the experience for them...
We had a very nice afternoon yesterday with the DGSs. So nice to have some quality time with them! They're growing up too fast. The oldest will turn 11 in 5 days, and he's already over 5' tall. He'll be a big guy like his Daddy, and just as sweet.
I tried to see the Northern Lights last night, and should have stayed dressed and gone outside to look. I did see a magenta color and streaks in the sky - and did see them a few years ago from a plane flying from Sweden to Germany - but DD and DS who live in other nearby towns got some great photos.
Supposedly we can see them again tonight and we're having clear skies for once !! I'll try to stay awake and get outside this time.
Bon Voyage Sandi @StLouisCruisers, @MISTER 67 and @Niagarawine!
@1ANGELCAT I'm so sorry to hear that you have to say goodbye to your Houdini today. 😞 It's the hardest thing we have to do, but it's the best gift you can give him. Hugs!
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Good morning all!
Our sunshine will last another several days, even up towards 80 today and tomorrow. I probably overdid yesterday and am aching all over today. Mowed and put down weed and feed, then emptied and refilled pots and planted my herbs (basil, lemon thyme and rosemary). Moving the heavier pots around probably did it.
Happy Mothers Day to all Mexican Mothers. For our Mothers Day we'll be going to dinner on Sunday with all our kids grown and small.
I loved Hostess cupcakes but haven't had any in decades. I never cared for Twinkies (not chocolate).
Our DD had a hamster -- at one time or another she also had a turtle, a large goldfish, and a rabbit (not all at the same time). She did (and does) love all critters. Right now she has 2 cats and an aquarium of frogs. She also feeds the squirrels that come in their back yard. 😉 We used to call her Ellie Mae Clampett. To be honest, I was relieved when that hamster reached the end of his life. He always found ways to escape, and we found his whole nest behind the couch one time. It's really a wonder our cat hadn't found it.
I'll pass on the drink and meal, but probably would like the Chardonnay. We've been to Sydney many times and always enjoyed that port.
Last night we had the quiche, and it was a big hit. I hadn't made any in a long time, and it really was tasty. Homemade crust, bacon, sauteed spinach, onions, lots of mozzarella and parmesan.
This afternoon we'll be picking up the Grandsons and spending the afternoon with them. The oldest is returning at noon from 2 nights at 5th grade camp (seems to be something the schools are doing now to celebrate nearing the end of the year and grade school before heading to middle school) and the 3rd grader will get out of school at 3:30. We plan to take the 5th grader out to lunch too. Should be a fun day. 🙂
I've been to Sydney 4 times, 3 of them with @richwmnand other CC friends. Twice northbound from FL and once southbound, then again on the Voyage of the Vikings.
The first visit in 2012 we took a tour to the Fortress of Louisbourg, 2nd visit in 2016 a tour to Baddeck, 3rd visit in 2017 we rented a car with CC friends and Rich and drove part of the Cabot Trail. Our last visit on the VOV we walked around town in the rain. All good visits!
Bagpiper on our arrival
A sign at the pier
Arrival at Louisbourg Fortress
One of some of the reenactments at the fortress. This was the "lady of the house".
This was the cook -- she grabbed DH out of the audience and had him help her make hot chocolate.
And a few photos from our drive on Cabot Trail in the fall.
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Jacqui if it's the same FCC we had, I wasn't impressed with her either. She gave different answers to different people, complained about the noise when the String Trio practiced (unprofessional IMO)
Maybe I missed it, but what was your cabin #? I think you were on the 7th deck like we were.
Thanks again for your great live-from!
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Good morning all!
The sun is shining brightly, we'll have another beautiful day in the PNW. Up to 80 tomorrow and Saturday.
Yesterday 3 neighbor ladies and I had a 5-hour gab-fest in my yard -- fun! To celebrate our first get-together since getting home from the GANZ, I even served some of the NZ Sauvignon Blanc we had shipped home from the cruise. When that got near the bottom I brought out the Oyster Bay SB I had lol. The consensus was they preferred the one we can't get here (the wine we had shipped here).
I would like to try the drink, but will pass on the red wine. Quiche sounds really good to me, so that's what we'll be having tonight along with a salad. I'll substitute parmesan and mozzarella and add a little bacon. Also I prefer to make my own crust, so will do that too. Sounds yummy!
We've been to Norway but not to Flam. Thanks for all the photos!
Sandi @StLouisCruisers Sorry to hear about the fridge problems, but it's good that it happened now when you can do something about it. Sounds like you did everything right!
@Nickelpenny I hope the procedure helps -- sending hugs!
I'll be out in the garden today enjoying this gorgeous day.
Cheers to all on the celebrations list and prayers for all on the care list.
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Good morning all!
A great selection of days. I think I'll pass on the drink (don't care for grape flavor), the wine (Pino Noir) and the meal. I would like it with bacon, just not the eggs. I like eggs, but not with everything. I haven't been to Viet Nam -- DH was stationed in Phu Bai during the Viet Nam war and hasn't been back since.
Annie @marshhawk That was interesting to learn about giving nursing mother cats kitten food -- I was skeptical so Googled it -- it's true! I learn something every day. And GRR about that careless (I'm being kind) driver who cut you off and nearly caused an accident. I've always said that stress raises blood sugar. I can take my blood sugar right before leaving for my labs and the number will be fine. After just driving to the clinic (in this crazy traffic) their result is much higher. They tested my glucometer so it isn't that.
Debbie @dfish I like the plans you have for your yard. About Amber -- I learned that she's most likely had untreated high blood pressure for a long time, and had a lot of stress (money, etc.). She was one of those who didn't like going to the doctor 😞 (I'm sure that will change now). She's only 41, very scary.
Lorraine @cruising sister Congrats on being only 5 points from 4 star! I miss seeing you every day and the other Dailyites on the GA. Hoping you do decide to do the '26 GWV -- we got Caron's cabin lol.
Paul @kochleffel Yikes about the Norwegian crew member! It seems that maybe the cruise line didn't check him out well before hiring. 😞
Vanessa @JazzyV That's good that the surgeon told you the tingling is normal up to a year post surgery. Glad that your BFF is doing ok!
This afternoon the neighborhood ladies and I will be getting together for our first afternoon chat this year. It's supposed to be a beautiful day, and will be in my yard. One of them didn't realize I'd been back for a month now, we have a lot to catch up on.
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1 hour ago, Overhead Fred said:
Lovely flowers Eva! I think the first picture are Lupines
Definitely Lupines. Lovely! I think the 3rd flowers are Bachelor Buttons as Eva said, but I'm not positive.
I was happy to see that the hail storm didn't do much damage in the garden, just a few lost leaves and blossoms. You'd never know by the weather today, it has been a lovely sunny day.
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34 minutes ago, Cruisercl said:
My big news from the GVAUS cruise is that I went from a 2* Mariner at the start and am now 5 points away from a 4* Mariner.
Wow! That's great 🙂 Now book a short cruise, then a long one so you can really make use of that free laundry!
Our PCC gave a little push to the department that gives out cabin assignments, otherwise we still wouldn't know. Somehow it makes it all seem real now. 😉
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5 minutes ago, luvteaching said:
It's overcast but the sun is trying to shine through. We didn't get the hail that @Cruising-along mentioned yesterday but we did get some rain. Now there's no rain in the forecast until next week sometime. I can handle that!
The sun is shining brightly here now! What crazy weather. Yes, I'm looking forward to some days with no rain too. 🙂 I'll be heading out soon to see if there was any damage in the garden from that hail.
That's so sweet that your great-granddaughter has the same birthday as your DD DH, a good thing to concentrate on for sure. Our grands have birthdays coming up this month and next also.
Caron @Cruisercl We got "your" cabin! Just got word today. Thanks again for giving us the tour 🙂
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Good morning all!
Oh my, we had a terrific hail storm yesterday afternoon along with thunder. At least the hail was small (probably pea-size) but it lasted awhile and I'm almost scared to look out in the garden. The Sweet Peas had just come up, and all the pots of annuals....most everything else is hardy enough.
Good selection of days. I'll celebrate the Cosmopolitan and Sauvignon Blanc, and thank you Graham for the explanation of Cystinosis. I hadn't heard of it before -- terrible disease. I love the Lennon quote and was lucky enough to see the Beatles in 1965 in CA. I think I'd like the drink, but pass on the red wine. I'd like the meal too but would substitute something (asparagus?) for the broccoli. Have never been to Japan.
Yesterday Amber's DH (my BFF's son) posted an update, and it sounded more hopeful. 🙂 Baby steps forward. She's showing better movement on her left side, and was even able to get up and walk. Her nausea and lightheadedness are much improved. She'll have another surgery when they do replace the bone flap (when the swelling is done), so a lot still to overcome. He didn't mention if she's still sleeping too much, but I'm thinking that must have improved too. He and my BFF want to thank everyone again for all the prayers!
Jacqui @kazu Prayers that the tests don't show infection in the bone, and that these antibiotics help you soon!
Debbie @dfish Let us know how your appointment goes this afternoon and if they schedule the nerve ablation.
Vanessa @JazzyV I'm so sorry about your BFF's broken ankle. Good that he's gotten help with the lawn, I know it must be hard for him, since he's independent. Happy heavenly birthday to your DM!
Lorraine @cruising sister It was good to hear from you but not to hear about your dear friend's grandsons 😞 So sad! Prayers for her and the family.
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The Fleet Report and Daily for Tuesday May 21st, 2024
in Holland America Line
Posted
Good morning all!
Our sunshine has gone, and it will be a drizzly day today. Glad I got a lot done outside yesterday. Now today I can get packed and ready to leave tomorrow for our get-away with the DGSs. Also will get that haircut!
I know I'm in a very small minority, but I've never cared a lot for tea. I agree with @Mr. Boston and Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser that Rapture Day isn't something that can/should be predicted. Patches reminded me of the iron-on patches I had when our children were small -- always a hole to be patched in their jeans. 🙂
I know I would like the NZ wine, will pass on the drink, and would love the first 2 recipes -- yummy! Tonight we're having sole, unfortunately we don't have salmon right now. We haven't been to the port, thank you Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser and Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the great photos.
Prayers for all having health problems and surgeries.