Cruising-along

Good morning all! I've never used a bunsen burner, don't care for clams, but have lots of crayons here for the grandsons. Although the older they get (7 and 9) the less they're interested in art projects and would rather do something else. Will pass on the meal (coconut and clam sauce), the quote is good, and will pass on the drink and red wine. Have never been to the port. Today will be another day of getting housework done and cruise planning -- like most of my days. 😉 Not a good night's sleep last night. For some strange reason my left eye was itching and it still is. It looks fine, so I have no idea what's going on, and don't have allergies. Drops aren't helping. Hope it stops soon. @seagarsmokerOh my gosh your story about the milk and cookies had me laughing out loud! I know it had to be frustrating though -- surprising that the concierge couldn't get it straightened out for you! Joy @Seasick SailorI'm sorry you came home sick and also that your luggage was damaged. I hope you feel better soon. Charlene @cunnorlHappy Birthday to your son today! Our son's due date was April 1 and I remember thinking I hope he wouldn't be born on April Fool's Day. He wasn't, he came 11 days later! Annie @marshhawkYour story about the medical forms brought back a recent memory. I had a thick pile of forms to fill out before seeing the Nephrologist. It took me days to fill it out, all the while thinking why don't they just look at my record to get this information??? And then when I went to my appointment, they told me "oh, you don't have to fill them out unless there's been a change". ??? Debbie @dfishI'm sorry Sue has a migraine. What did you do to entertain River? @senorjimWelcome to the Daily! @cruzn single Enjoy Key West!

Sorry to miss you too! As Debbie @dfish knows, she and I had several near-misses over the years and finally got to meet in Seattle and then were on a cruise together. So hopefully we can meet some day whether on a BHB or on land!

Good morning all! We're having another nice day here but it will dip back down to the mid 30's F for the lows for a few days before warming up again. Even the dreaded "frozen mix" in the forecast. So I wait to put my seedlings out. This weather really reminds me that I'm not in control 😉 We've had some wonderful doctors over the years. Sadly our last long-time doctor retired a year ago. We really hated to see her go. I've seen her replacement only twice so far and like her -- fingers crossed she can live up to our last doctor. I'd love to take a walk in the park today, but will have to settle for the treadmill. DH will be working the game for the Mariners today as he will be for many days this month. The quote is a good one, I'd prefer the Asparagus and Ham Rolls but do try to avoid ham because of the salt. Will pass on the red wine and drink. We've been to Olympia, photos to follow. Happy Birthday Susan @Suslorand Mary Kay @cruzn single! Happy Anniversary Ray and Sarah @USN59-79, enjoy your cruise! Sandi @StLouisCruisersThank you for posting your DD's spring/Easter celebration tree. Always a treat to see. It reminds me that I need to change my St. Patrick's Day windsock to a spring windsock. Susan @SuslorI'm sorry that both you and your DH have had medical issues since your cruise. Glad though that the issues seem to be resolved. Wishing you good health! We were in Katakolon in the fall of 2019. We went to Olympia and then a wine tasting. Olive trees Bowl where the flame sat Footprint of the 9-foot statue that had been on this pedestal

SO glad to hear this. We've enjoyed Khay on several cruises. Bon Voyage!

Good morning all! Interesting collection of days. I'll pass on the drink, but would probably like the wine. Not real fond of ham but if someone else made it I'd have it once... We've been to Honolulu twice. The first time was on DH's R&R from Viet Nam in 1970 (thank you Bruce @aliaschieffor mentioning Viet Nam Veterans' Day. He left for Viet Nam in November of 1969 after we'd been married only 2 months. We didn't see each other again for 11 months when he had R&R in Hawaii. The second time there was in 2010 on a Hawaii Cruise on the Zaandam. That day we climbed Diamond Head. We'll be there again next January on the Grand Australia and this time we have a tour to Pearl Harbor. For some reason it wasn't open to tours the last time we were there. Yesterday was a beautiful day and today promises to be more of the same. I planted a new rose bush that is supposed to have a strong citrus scent -- can't wait for that! @seagarsmokerThank you for the great photos of your PS! We've never had one, but have been in one before when a good friend had one. I'm not surprised you had a hard time finding things, I have that problem in a regular cabin! I've always said that the only reason I'd want one would be for the private hot tub -- not that we'll ever have one! Ann @Vict0riann Bon Voyage! I hope Pat's nosebleeds stop soon. Mary Kay @cruzn single Bon Voyage! Tony @sailingdutchyBon Voyage! Gerry @ger_77What gorgeous blankets! Our view of Honolulu from the top of Diamond Head.

Ha, we'll be in Vancouver on the 6th too! Disembarking the Koningsdam that day. Would love to see you and Annie if possible...even if just to meet for coffee. We'll just be driving home that day (leaving our car in Vancouver). Wish we could show you around Seattle Sharon!! But we'll be leaving right away for Yellowstone after the cruise. Have you been to Seattle before?

Good morning all! Like several here, the only thing I want to eat on a stick would be chocolate covered ice cream or maybe a toasted marshmallow (to put in chocolate and a graham cracker). No appreciation of weeds here, it's a constant battle to keep the weeds out of the lawn, and that's probably one thing I'll be doing today. I respect every cat every day. Will pass on the drink and red wine, but the meal sounds very good. Last night I made the 2nd recipe for Sweet and Sour Meatballs. DH said it was a keeper -- I did have to add a LOT more cornstarch to thicken it up though. Either it called for too much pineapple juice, not enough thickener, or both. Very good though once I got it thick enough. We will be in Moorea next year on the Grand Australia. We have a private tour booked. Speaking of private tours, we're blessed to have someone on our roll call who has been great at arranging tours -- and I've booked several with her so far. Unfortunately another tour I booked with someone else has caused some concern. I just hope I still have a tour!...too long to go into here, but just say I appreciate those who are organized at arranging tours and keep up with their emails. @lvhh Very sorry to hear about your fridge problem! Sandy @StLouisCruisersOh no, sorry to hear your roof problem continues. Maureen @RMLincolnpositive thoughts for your DH as he has eye surgery today. Terry @smitty34877I'm so sorry to hear that your aide has left! Prayers that you find someone (a good someone) soon. Debbie @dfish$125 isn't bad -- I'd be happy with that too! @sunviking90Welcome to the Daily! I hope we see more of you. 🙂 Sandi @StLouisCruisersThank you for posting the maps showing where the Koningsdam will have drydock. The K is our next ship in just a month. I don't think we've ever had a cruise so soon after a drydock. 😄

What a shame, especially in Koper. We took a HAL tour to Lake Bled one time, and a Viator tour another time. I would have been disappointed too.

Wow, that's too bad! Do you mind telling what port this was?

I don't wear lanyards, but that's just because I don't like anything around my neck. Also don't carry a purse around. I keep my ship card in a pocket and the few times I don't have a pocket (at dinner usually) DH puts it in his pocket.

Good morning all! It was 32F this morning when I got up but headed for the high 50's this afternoon and sunny. I plan to set my seedlings out a few hours so they can get some sunlight, and do general gardening. We're supposed to have sunshine and up to 60F for the next few days, yay! Then the rain will be back... I haven't known many Joe's, but DH does have one cousin named Joe. I had nice handwriting at one time, but arthritis has ruined it. I'll pass on the red wine and the drink (coconut) but love sweet and sour meatballs. I've printed out the 2nd recipe for future use. We've been to Quebec City 4 times on BHBs and done a few out-of-town excursions to Saint Anne Canyon, Montmerency Falls, Sainte Anne de Beaupre and other times just wandered around the town. I never got here yesterday, we were out most of the day -- visiting the grand-kitties again and also a trek to Total Wine to replenish the wine rack. Debbie @dfishI hope your drain problem is an easy fix and not too costly. Sandi @StLouisCruisersCongratulations to Ren's team! Tina @0106We have used Shore Excursions Group several times in Europe and just yesterday I booked a tour with them for the South Pacific. I thought they were affiliated with the Big Box store -- in the past their website had a link to get to their excursions. Maybe they've changed to AAA as @Cruise Suzysaid. In any case, we've been very happy with them. My photos are a compilation of the 4 different times in/near Quebec City. Of course the 3-D mural in La Place Royale I love the street music every visit. The funicular Evening view from our ship of Hotel du Frontenac One visit we walked to the Chocolate Museum. A few items inside, all made of chocolate: Another time we went to Montmerency Falls Saint Anne Canyon Zip lining across Saint Anne Canyon (not me) lol The Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre A couple photos from inside

Fred has the right answer here, Annie. I think some posts have been referring to HAL gift cards, which unless they're offering a special bonus card, I don't see any reason to buy them. When they were offering the bonus cards, we did buy some. But AARP has 10% discounted gift cards all the time. So DH and I have each been buying 5/month (the maximum you can buy) and using them to pay for the Grand Australia next year.

We're paying for most of our Grand Australia with the gift cards. DH also made the payments online. Remember that if you're a couple, each of you can buy $2500 per month, making it $5000 per couple. My DH also taught me. My dear Dad tried to teach me when I was 16 and we lived in California -- I think by mutual agreement we gave up on that! (and he was the most patient man I've ever known). 😅 When DH taught me, we lived in Montana --- lots and lots of wide open spaces, nothing for me to hit! No wonder you're so great at keeping up with everyone! I just have hand-written pages with CC names and first names.

I think the kittens are happy to see me. 😁

Good morning all! It's 38 degrees here now, heading for a whopping 45 today. Yesterday was crazy -- As Tony @HAL4NOW was getting all that snow, we got the "frozen mix" for awhile in the afternoon which this time was hail -- but at one point as a plane was flying overhead, there was a BOOM of one LOUD clap of thunder. DH thought the plane had exploded! I nearly jumped out of my chair. It was so loud! I don't care much for pecans, but do like waffles. Some of my in-laws in GA get quite testy about the pronunciation of pecan....needless to say I don't say it like they do. 😂 Oh my goodness the meal today looks so good! I printed off the 2nd recipe with the balsamic glaze. I wish I'd had this recipe when we had salmon a few days ago. I thought I'd like the wine, but then saw the words "bone dry". I like my Riesling in the middle range between sweet and dry. Will pass on the drink, it sounds way too sweet. Today DH is working with the Mariners, and I'm going to drive south to DD's house to play with the kittens. They're away this weekend on another ski trip and asked if I'd do that -- no problem! We'll also be doing that tomorrow when we drive that way to Total Wine to stock up. 😉 Lorraine @cruising sisterif you want to take advantage of the 3% savings by paying off the cruise by June 1 and use gift cards, you have March, April and May to buy a total of 15 gift cards. As I said on the roll call, we're limited to 5 per person per month. The highest gift card is for $500 (you pay $450) so you can buy 5 of those each time. Ann @cat shepardHappy Birthday to your dear sister! Terry @smitty34877Adorable photo of your DGS and puppy. I love how their hair matches. Karen @luvteachingPrayers for you and your DH. I hope things improve for him. Susan @durangoscotsI'm sure you have the same thing I had in December. It does take a long time to get over -- try not to overdo and take those naps if you want to. It will end, even though it seems like it will go on forever!

Another of the many reasons I won't drive in Seattle. Lots of parallel parking there. Thank goodness DH is quite expert at it. I'll look for other parking no matter how long it takes. 😉 Debbie I sent this to Barbara and she wants you to know how much she appreciates this. It really helps her to know how well you did and how easy it was. I'm glad she knows this before talking to the surgeon next month.

I've also had to do a lot of driving between work and visiting family and friends north and south of us. I still can't believe I passed the parallel parking part of the test. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to now!

Thanks Debbie, I'm going to copy and paste your post and send it to her. I don't think she has ever had any surgery of any kind, and the thought scares her. She has an appointment to talk to the surgeon, but I'm sure your comments here will be the biggest help. Again, so glad you're doing well!

Good morning all! Winter just doesn't want to let go here. "Frozen mix" forecast in the next several days, even though our daytime temperatures won't be very low (up to high 50's but down in the 30's at night). Come on spring! I've never had Cheesesteak, but it does look tasty in a comfort food kind of way. I wouldn't turn down chocolate covered raisins, but would choose chocolate covered peanuts over raisins if given the choice. There are some cocktails I like, but I'm more of a wine gal. Will pass on the wine and drink, and "maybe" on the meal. Enchiladas aren't my favorite Mexican food. Have not been to the port. Jumping in on the driving discussion from yesterday -- I have no problem at all driving or putting gas in the car, but I will not parallel park and am terrible at backing up! I can't back up straight to save my life. I think my depth perception isn't good, so if DH's car is already in the garage I won't drive into or out of the garage (no problem if his car isn't there). It's a tight squeeze with both cars in there. I don't know how he does it. He backs his car in and my car goes in frontwards. The family got me a backup camera for my car, they all know how bad I am at it. 😉 Also I agree with others who hate all the little warning sounds if another car gets within a few feet from you. Thank goodness my car is older and doesn't have that -- but DH's car does and I hate it. Very annoying and Big Brother. 😂 Debbie @dfishI'm SO glad your surgery was successful and your levels are normal now. I'm sorry about the acid reflux but glad you had antacids on hand. Hopefully it lasted only one night. My BFF has been advised to have the same surgery and she's balking at it -- I'll tell her how well you're doing. Have fun today! Carol @mamaofamiI'm sorry about the LONG delay for your cataract surgery yesterday. I probably would have told them to reschedule it -- I'm not patient about those things. I'm puzzled -- when DH had his, he didn't have to fast and wasn't told not to bend over longer. Interesting how things are done differently by different doctors. Linda @lindalerThat's terrible about your luggage! We've used luggage direct (forwarding) before and had no problem. I wonder if they have different people handling it now. Welcome @cruzngal! Brenda @bennybearThank you for the awesome aurora photos!

Good morning all! After a beautiful day yesterday, the rain will return this afternoon and cooler again. I've never had Melba Toast, love chips and dip but love it too much so it's rarely in the house. I'm a cat person, but do love my grand puppies Rogue and Pepper. Pepper is technically still a puppy, she's under 6 months old and will be a big girl! Funny quote! Punta Arenas is on our South America/Antarctica cruise in 2 years. I'm enjoying the photos, thanks to all who are posting! The meal looks yummy, will pass on the drink and wine. Last night we had some delicious fresh halibut -- yum! I think tonight may just be BLTs and potato salad. Sandi @StLouisCruisersA big congratulations to your DGS in Michigan! Being 2nd in his graduating class and a NM finalist are both things to be very proud of. Adorable puppies. 🙂 Happy Birthday @seagarsmoker! Great way to celebrate a birthday. Carol @mamaofamiI hope your cataract surgery goes well today and will be a "piece of cake". Debbie @dfishSo glad you're doing well after your surgery. Hoping your blood test today shows your levels are in the normal range now. Moose Tracks ice cream ..... one of my favorites!! Good choice. @TiogaCruiserGorgeous table decorations! Jacqui @kazuGreat news that you're free to drive now! Vanessa @JazzyVI'm glad your knees are better but sorry your hand joints are worse. My 2 grand pups Rogue and Pepper. Both have been to puppy school and are very well trained. DS and DDIL would have it no other way and these pups are their world. 🙂

Good morning all! CC was down here on the west coast starting last night. Sounds like it must have been down for a long time! Some days I feel younger than other days. Since retiring unless I have a doctor's appointment I pretty much goof off every day, and I only sing out when I'm alone. 😅 The quote is a good one, will pass on the drink and red wine. I think I'd rather have gyros than the meal today. We've been to Spain but not this port. Thanks for all the great photos! Today is a rare day of sunshine, so I'll be taking advantage of that and getting out to the garden. Yesterday was my 5-year bone density scan -- and I can't believe it, but it shows that I went from Osteopenia 5 years ago to "normal" now (!) I thought I must be reading it wrong, but then my doctor sent her report to me, and it's true. Has anyone heard of Osteopenia reversing itself? I have to say, it was nice to get good medical news finally. I'm done with the string of medical and dental appointments for now, no more until the next kidney function test in April. I'm very sorry to hear about all the health problems among our Daily family. Annie @marshhawkand Ann @Vict0riann sending you hugs as you wait out medical reports and having to make decisions about your cruises. I think all of us can understand how hard that would be. Thinking about Debbie @dfishtoday as she has her surgery. Carol @mamaofamithinking of you as you prepare for your cataract surgery tomorrow. Jacqui @kazu I hope your visit today with the surgeon is a good one. Sending hugs to you. Lorraine @cruising sister Thinking of you today on your DS' heavenly 45th birthday.

Perfect, a civilized arrival time.

Thank you Tina, great article! That would be fun to have both in front of you to taste and compare. I bet I would like both also. I wish now that I'd tried some on one of the many East Coast cruises I've taken instead of lobster rolls! Debbie @dfish I thought I'd mentioned you in my earlier post but see I did not. So I'll say it here, you're on my mind and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! 💐

Definitely don't underestimate it. Because of it I'm now struggling to get my kidney function up to par. The dehydration when I had the flu caused my already not great kidney function to plummet. I'll never forget that flu.

Good morning all! Another cool, drizzly day here in the PNW. The forecast shows sunshine tomorrow, so that's a nice surprise. We pay off our credit cards every month. We do use them for every purchase to add up those points. No fragrances for me, not anymore. There are too many folks who are sensitive to scents and also this gardener is allergic to all bee stings so I really don't want to attract the critters to me. Just stay on the flowers. 😉 I'm terrible at poetry. I like the quote, have had this (local) wine before and liked it, and know I would love the meal. I prefer crab over lobster. And sorry Tina @0106but this NW gal loves our Dungeness crab. 😂 I do need to try some Baltimore crab. I'll pass on the drink, and Cairns is on our Grand Australia itinerary. Thank you Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser, Sandi @StLouisCruisersand Tony @sailingdutchyfor the great photos. Also Lenda please thank your DH for the always amazing photos!! Susan @durangoscotsI really wonder if you have the same thing I had in December. It took me a month to feel "normal" and was very, very sick for 2 weeks. Lost 10+ pounds and it was the worst flu I've had since the 70's. Hope you're 100% soon! This morning I have my bone density test, nothing else on the agenda today.