Cruising-along

57 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Carolyn thank you!  So glad you like it.  Did you see he romantic Valentine's Day tree?  It's a lot different than usual.  You were cruising so I'm not sure what you saw.

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.  😉  

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

No blood pressure medications for me.  Usually it's at a safe level though when I go to the doctor's office it does rise 20 points!  DH used to take Lisinopril but he never had the cough problem.

That's great Sandi! (I'm on meds and it still goes higher at the doctor's office -- "white coat syndrome" 😞)

1 hour ago, kochleffel said:

 

For some people--I was one--the cough stops after about a month. I'm no longer taking lisinopril, but for another reason.

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.  

2 hours ago, marshhawk said:

@Cruising-along I'm thinking what can I do with all that wool.  Dye it, make a short wrap?  To keep warm?  Untie it, and make a large thick scarf?  What a great packing idea.

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!

Good morning all!

We're slowly adjusting to being home again -- although I admit many times I have to stop to remember what season it is.  So strange to spend 3 months with "summer-early fall" weather and to see pumpkins growing there when it's only early spring here and the tulips are just now blooming.  We're having typical April weather here and of course couldn't see any of the eclipse yesterday.  Even if we'd had clear skies it would have been only 20%.

I do cherish several antiques that were passed down to me from my grandparents.  Will pass on the meal, but the drink sounds good as does the (dry) Riesling.  We were in Denali on a Triple Denali with best friends in 2019.  Photos below.

Happy Birthday Karen @luvteaching!  I'm glad to hear that you're doing ok even though the day is bittersweet.  Also sorry to hear about your DSIL's passing.  I hate cancer!

Happy Anniversary Gerry and Maurice @ger_77!

We sent 5 postcards to the Grandsons while we were away.  They have received 4 of the 5, I'm thinking the 5th may never arrive since I sent it on January 31 😞  The rest took about 3 weeks to arrive.

Luggage Forward says our 4 bags will arrive day after tomorrow (I'm not looking forward to unpacking those!)  And the wine we bought in New Zealand (Marlborough of course!) will arrive within 10 days.  It has reached the US now.

Denali:

View from Hurricane Gulch Bridge

Moose on the loose

Good morning all!

Happy Birthday Sandi and twin! @StLouisCruisers

Happy Birthday @Norseh2o!

Happy Anniversary @Overhead Fred!

Happy Anniversary @erewhon!

I hope you all have a wonderful day of celebration.

Yesterday we refilled the fridge and pantry, and I've already started a list of the things I didn't realize we need.  At least we have food again.  Also went through all the mail (thank goodness my neighbor threw out all the ads etc. etc.).  Calls will be made today to restart the garbage pickup and a few other things.  

And best of all, we saw the kids and grandkids last night.  DD made dinner for us and afterwards we all went out for ice cream in Seattle.  Oh my it was SO good to get those hugs, and to see how happy the grandsons were to have us back again. 🙂  

We were in Darwin on the GANZ just recently on Feb. 10.  It was HOT HOT HOT and humid.  We decided to take the HOHO, one of the few offered on that itinerary. And it had A/C.  🙂   Here are a few photos from that day.

The Government House

Fanny Bay

Christchurch Anglican Cathedral

I don't know if this is common there, but this cracked me up...

Good morning!

We are home after a fabulous cruise -- couldn't have been better.  I'm missing everyone already, and am so happy to have met Susan,  Lorraine,  Caron and so many others!  We truly became a big family after 3 months.

Our pantry and fridge are completely bare, so grocery shopping is first up today and then a visit to see the kids and grandkids.  Can't wait to see them.  🙂  

It will be nice to catch up on everything happening on the Daily too.  I know I missed a lot and I apologize for that. 

We got home last night early evening after a short flight from San Diego to SeaTac.  It's kind of strange but good to be home.  I miss everyone already though!

First thing on the agenda is to get groceries.  Our pantry and fridge have never been so bare!  Then to visit the kids and grandkids!!

We are sitting on the bus for our transfer to the airport. 
This has been our best cruise yet (and that’s saying a lot)! 

Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV, Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser, Charlene @cunnorl and Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the welcome home. We should be home by early evening. 🙂

After already doing all the good ideas that have been mentioned, including renting a car, we did the ghost tour on our last visit and enjoyed it! There’s a bit of walking so good weather would be a plus if you decide on it. 

Happy Easter and greetings from the lovely Volendam!

We had Easter brunch with Caron @Cruisercl and Lorraine @cruising sister this morning. Sure going to miss them!

I did it in 2019 with no problem. 
To be sure I would ask onboard, hopefully they haven’t changed the rules. 

Greetings from the Volendam!

Today we took a great tour out of Papeete to waterfalls, gorgeous gardens, an underwater cave and more. Good day!

Two more ports in French Polynesia and then we will begin our trek to San Diego. 
 

Rich I agree about the show last night. I thought his first show was much better, he probably did more singing than comedy. Unfortunately it seemed like the first half of the show last night fell flat. 
I’m looking forward to the local cultural show tonight. 
 

Today we had a short tour this morning and then walked to the market where I got flowers for the cabin. 
 

On 3/23/2024 at 9:38 PM, oakridger said:

Rich, did you get off the ship in Moorea?  If so, what did you do?  I'll be there next year so am curious to find out interesting things to do.

 

~Nancy

Hi Nancy, I don’t know what Rich did in Moorea, but some did the glass bottom boat, some snorkeling. We took tours around the island both days and saw a Polynesian show. 
 

We cruise both HAL and Celebrity, HAL being our preferred line because of their itineraries and we get free laundry. 😁

I was very surprised at your remarks about the service on Celebrity because it has been excellent in our experience (most recent 9 months ago on Solstice. Celebrity’s entertainment overall beats HAL without question. I find the food to be on a par.