Cruising-along

It showed on Tamarind's menu that Lisa posted last night (I remember because it's what I would order) 😉

Good morning all! We're enjoying a second day of sunshine because the rain will be back tomorrow....and stay.... I did get some yardwork done yesterday even though it was wet, maybe I'll do more today. I'll celebrate all 3 days today, especially cocoa. The drink sounds good, and I'd drink the Chardonnay, even though I do prefer just a touch of oak in mine (not too much, just a touch). I doubt we'll ever get to Dubai, thanks for all the great photos! I'm laughing here because the meal today has everything I do not like (cilantro, dill and cumin). Needless to say I'll pass. 😂 Lorraine @cruising sister there will be some who pack a lot and some like Rich @richwmn who pack very, very little. Because we got free unlimited luggage forwarding (and only because of that) we're sending 4 large bags, checking 1 bag of OTC meds, sunscreen etc. that LF won't take, and have 2 carry-ons. So we're bringing more than we usually would -- and a lot of that is books, crafts, puzzle books etc. for all the sea days. Susan @durangoscots Oh my on the message from LF! No, don't even think of hauling those suitcases somewhere. Our pick-up time is between 1-5 pm tomorrow. But only rain here thank goodness. (edited: just got an email from LF, our time was changed to 10-5).... Vanessa @JazzyV I hope the meds will help you sleep tonight -- and/or at least a nap this afternoon. The fact you feel sleepy is encouraging that it will help you sleep. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Since this is all wishful thinking on my part, I'm going to go all out. 😅 I'll start with a Cucumber Mojito, Then a glass or two of Villa Maria SV with dinner Shrimp Tempura, Jewels of the Sea Mongolian bbq lamb chops w/Dungeness crab fried rice on the side and finish with the Exotic Fruits. And now I'm stuffed. 😂

Good morning all! (barely still morning here anyway!) I'm very late today, not a good night for sleep (absolutely no reason other than too much to think about). Upcoming 2-night sleep-over with the DGSs, our early Christmas gathering, and the cruise. I'll pass on the gingerbread and ambrosia, love Poinsettias. The quote is good, will pass on the meal (BLTs sound really good but I think we need to work through the freezer meat first) and pass on the red wine. The drink sounds pretty good. Have not been to Ravenna, almost but it was canceled. Lots to do, DH has been on the phone all morning getting things put on vacation hold -- garbage pick-up, car insurance, etc. etc. Plus we're paying everything ahead or putting on auto-pay. We finally have sunshine here! So today is the day for yard/garden cleanup. Rain will be back soon. Debbie @dfish We watched "Don't Look Up" last night and enjoyed it. I do wish Hollywood would stay out of politics, but oh well. Meryl Streep was a hoot, as you said, as Madame President. It may be one reason I couldn't sleep though, visions of that asteroid.....😲 Vanessa @JazzyV I so hope these meds will help you sleep. You NEED it. Honestly, I don't know how you can even function much less do all that you do. Have a good day everyone!

I'd like the Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, shrimp cocktail, filet with shrimp newburg, and the apple pie ala mode please. 🙂 Yum!

I love Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence so I have high hopes. 😀

Good morning all! Good collection of days -- I'm like @kazu, I guess I'm not crazy about apps and just "tolerate" the apps on my phone. One of my pet peeves is that our phones come with apps you cannot delete -- whether you use them or not. 😞 I've deleted all I can, and still have too many. The meal sounds good, as does the drink. I like the quote, will pass on the red wine. I was surprised to see Portland, OR on the port of the day list, I didn't know it has a cruise port -- and especially since it's so close to Astoria, which is used a lot by HAL. We lived in Portland for a couple years (around 1980 when Mt. St. Helens blew) and our daughter was born there. So we have some memories of that city! But all my photos are predigital so no photos. Annie @marshhawk I didn't know Leave the World Behind was produced by the Obamas. Also I've never watched Friends (gasp!) so didn't catch the "I'll be there for you". It did make me think, but other movies have done a better job -- just my opinion -- but it was entertaining, and that's fine. Edited to add that I Googled the movie and apparently the book it was based on had an ending that I would have liked better. 😉 I can understand why Debbie @dfishand Sue gave up on it, the music in the beginning was hard to take. Tonight we'll be watching "Don't Look Up" -- we'll see how that one is. Prayers for all on the Care List and cheers for all celebrating!

We watched that last night! Even though I've never been a fan of Julia Roberts, it sounded good....I have mixed feelings about it. The ending was a letdown, for one thing (I won't say why, at risk of giving it away). But we were like "huh"???

I'll have the croquette, pot roast and lemon torte please.

Good afternoon from a cloudy, wet PNW. Thank you @durangoscots, @bennybear, @Sharon in AZ, @aliaschief and @JazzyV for the birthday wishes for DH. He says Thank You! We're looking forward to PF Chang dinner tonight!

Good morning all! First of all, DH and I want to say thank you for all the birthday wishes! @grapau27, @StLouisCruisers, @kazu, @Cruisercl, @rafinmd, @ger_77, @dfish, @puppycanducruise, @RMLincoln, @Quartzsite Cruiser, and @cunnorl all very much appreciated. 🙂 After last year's "big birthday" and celebration, this year will be low-key. We'll celebrate his birthday more on our family's early Christmas a week from today (early because we'll be kinda self-isolating before the cruise). This year is definitely not the usual. 😉 But he's been wanting dinner from PF Chang, so that's what we'll do tonight. I'll pass on the meal today -- I do love lamb, but it would be ruined for me if it had coconut and curry. The drink sounds good, will pass on the red wine. I don't think we've been to this port. We have distant relatives in TN who thank goodness are OK even though the tornado came through their town. It was a stressful time for them! Prayers for all affected. Bon Voyage @LAFFNVEGAS, @POA1, @dobiemom and @lindaler!

I look forward to following along, have a GREAT cruise! The NS is my favorite ship, hope you love it!

Lenda please tell your DH how much we appreciate his photos. They're amazing! I also want to thank everyone who posted photos today of Funchal. If I tried to name everyone, I know I would leave someone out -- so thank you all! Great photos and gives me ideas of what to see if we get back again.

Good morning all! Mid 30's F this morning and more rain in the forecast. We're supposed to get a few sunny days next week, I hope to do some garden/yard clean up before we leave. A neighbor's grandson will come mow the lawn in the spring if needed while we're gone, but I'd like it looking good before we leave at least. Our Christmas cards went out last week and we've already gotten 2 in the mail. There are fewer every year, sadly. A few are from old Navy friends going back more than 40 years. They're always the most faithful in sending. I will celebrate lost and found and genocide prevention. If only it could be eradicated forever. The meal sounds very good, as does the drink but will pass on the red wine. Today will be more cruise planning and Christmas prep. I still haven't wrapped the presents, need to do that before the DGSs visit next week for a couple days. I've been to Funchal only once, it was at the end of our 50'th anniversary 65-day Med cruise(s) Nov. 2019. We started on the Nieuw Statendam and ended on the Koningsdam. I'd love to get back to see more, we toured the town and did a wine tasting in an old fort. I bought flowers at the market for our cabin, the last flowers I bought on the trip. Would love to see some of the outlying areas too. 200 doors have been painted, a project started in 2010 We went to the Farmers Market Flowers from the market for our cabin Lots of leather and cork products Some of the many flower arrangements at the market And the fish

I think all of us except Rich (who will already be on the ship) will be at the same hotel! We won't arrive until the afternoon of the 2nd though.

Sounds good to me! See you all onboard!

I spoke with Rich @richwmn yesterday and he said he would bring it up today. I'm guessing he's just very busy getting ready to leave and forgot. But YES, we're interested! Whether it's dinner or drinks, anything -- count us in. Ideas? Rich?

Debbie it's wonderful that so many Dailyites will be on the cruise! Please take lots of photos, wish we were joining you! Vanessa @JazzyV My heart breaks for you. I know I wouldn't be handling the pain as well as you are. We all feel helpless, just know we all are sending prayers and gentle hugs.

Good morning all! My Dear Dad was an avid crossword solver up until his death at the age of 101 and I know it's one reason his mind remained so sharp. Blue collar workers are the backbone of our country, and I do love brownies -- the darker chocolate the better. Funny quote, I miss Robin Williams too. Will pass on the meal, drink and wine. We were in Rhodes for 2 days a couple years ago. The first day we toured the whole island so will just post those photos and not the ones of Rhodes itself. Our luggage tags are supposed to arrive today. The bags are packed, we just have one small box we'll be adding to the pile. As already mentioned, we finally got the list of Theme Nights yesterday -- HAL dropped the ball IMO, not letting us know until this late in the game. We also aren't going to worry about it -- too late anyway. We do have some things I got ahead just from looking at prior theme lists so we'll bring those (small things like special bow ties for DH, hair pieces for me etc.) It's fun to look at Inside Cabin's blog -- my goodness, he even had a full penguin costume! No wonder they brought so much luggage and boxes! 😂 @Ichiban Happy Birthday to your DH Dave! Debbie @dfish I'm thrilled that you and Sue got that great upsell -- 2 bathrooms -- wow!! Sharon @Sharon in AZ So glad that your 2nd cataract surgery went well. Gerry @ger_77 Happy 4th Birthday to your DGS Parker! Lorraine @cruising sister So glad that Murphy is doing better again. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser Yay on booking a cruise! Wish it was on ours, but maybe some day! Karen @luvteaching I'm glad the rivers have crested below flood stage and you're having a "dry day". It definitely isn't dry here in Snohomish County, the rain continues and coming down hard. Here are some of my photos from our tour around Rhodes Island. Rhodes from our balcony Gorgeous views on our tour of the island That's Turkey across the water We went to Lindos and the Acropolis

Good morning all! Even as a child I never liked cotton candy, Illinois is our DDIL's home state and where our DS had his first job post college, met her and fell in love. We're so thankful to have her in the family! Wishing everyone joy especially during this joyful season. We'll go to Pearl Harbor next month and have a tour. I'm passing on the meal, drink and red wine, we've been to Norway but never to this port. The cruise prep continues and getting things crossed off my list(s). Four bags are packed and ready for Luggage Forward next week (we thought we might have 6 bags sent, so this is a pleasant surprise). Packing the one bag that has to be checked and our 2 carry-ons and that's it! I hope everyone has a good day!

That's good progress! And the more Da Vinci sees Mona Lisa cuddling up to you, the more likely he will too. I'm very glad to hear this 🙂

Good morning all! I've never had Gazpacho, but think I would like a small amount of it for a taste. I salute miners and mitten trees, agree with the quote, and our Grand Australia/NZ will go to Waitangi not Russel. But we have a tour booked that will cruise to Russel. Yesterday we finished packing a 3rd bag for Luggage Forward to pick up. That takes care of the bulk of what we're bringing but we probably still will fill a couple more. The pick-up is next week, we should be ready by then. Happy Birthday @Cat in my lap!

I was going to suggest that you blame it on the pain meds 😉 😄 OH, she's just beautiful! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Good morning all! 100% rain all day today, and it will be another 8 days before we have no chance of rain. Yes it does rain a lot here in the Evergreen State 😉 Interesting days -- we live in a very casual area and everyone wears blue jeans (I also have black jeans). When I'm home and if it's cold, I may even throw on some sweat pants. I'll pass on the meal and drink, but I've liked every Albarino I've ever had. Have not been to this port. Bruce @aliaschief I was confused this morning too, LOL. How on earth did you find a year-old thread? I hope you feel better soon. @GTVCRUISER Bon Voyage! Charlene @cunnorl Congratulations on the birth of your Grand-Niece! Lorraine @cruising sister I know how you feel. I'm not worried about forgetting to pack something, but more worried I'll forget to do something before we leave (like mail, garbage, bills, etc. etc. etc.) Thank you for the update on baby Murphy. She's a fighter!

Good morning all! I love cheetahs, we need and depend on our banks, and I'll be baking cookies in a few weeks but not yet. The quote is funny but mostly sad. You're right Debbie @dfish I wouldn't like the coconut and also not a big fan of curry unless it's very, very subtle. Tonight we'll be having marinated salmon, salad and baked potatoes. I'll also pass on the drink, but would love the Chenin Blanc. We were in Oranjestad only once, in 2009. We rented a jeep and drove around the island. I remember it was very dry, and bleak. We did find a beach that we had all to ourselves and made it a beach day. @seagarsmoker Good luck with the interview today!! Sandi @StLouisCruisers Yikes on the leak but wow they got it fixed quickly! Sorry you had that to deal with. @Heartgrove Good to hear that you and Sue are feeling much better. Roy @rafinmd It's wonderful to hear that you did well on your 20-minute walk! Have a great day everyone!