crusinbanjo

I’m with you Stumblefoot. I do remember doing things that way and just enjoying the experience. Unfortunately, now if you don’t book in advance, there is a good chance you could be shut out! So I understand the frustration.

There is a National egg shortage in the US. Causes are claimed to be from Avian Influenza a few months ago. Things in some parts are so bad that eggs are being smuggled into the US across the southern boarder…….. never thought we would see that!

Been $7.50 for a while here, but yesterday I noticed som brands at $4.50, so hoping the egg shortage has been broken. And, painting potatoes for Easter? Let’s do it and start a new fad.

Right now it is looking like Mrs Banjo and I will be on the Dawn in October. Deciding if we should do Port to Port with a Deposit, or take the 15% discount and pay in full now. HMMM any suggestions?

I would agree with Lois. We were on the same cruise and enjoyed the ship. We thought it was in very good condition, and staff was, as always, very friendly

Good news, but I think I would stay out of China for a while. Their no-Covid policy is backfiring on them now that they have loosened the policy. The explosion of Covid sickness and sadly deaths is just beginning for them.

OUCH!! Hope you heal quickly. we try to use our Bank America card that doesn’t impose transaction charges for foreign purchases. Additionally, we convert currency prior to leaving home for the countries we will be in most often on the trip, so we always have some for tips and brick a brack purchases

My kind of gym

Quebec. Is actually a shorter drive. We can get there in about 6 hours, Montreal is alway 8. Nine hours if we go to Vaudreuil where we have friends

Great photos, happy birthday Chris, looked like a wonderful time. Montreal is a favorite of Mrs Banjo and myself, but it is like a 7-8 hour drive each way for us.

Yes, Rolande was named because her dad wanted a boy, so they feminized the name. My grandparents on moms side were in fact from Canada. My grandfathers brothers were ship captains on the St Lawrence Seaway for years. My Grandfather, Lorenzo, was a stone mason who came to the US about 1910. During WWII, he was building housing for soldiers on the Allusion Islands, in Alaska. After the war he taught my uncle and my dad in the construction biz, they were very successful and taught us to be the same.

Haha, you are correct, it is almost a lost art. My mom should have written the book. I am the 7th child of Bernard & Rolande. Together they were married 72 years and had 15 children……. We really know the book “Cheaper by he Dozen”.

Thank you for that compliment. My mother came from a family of 16 Children, her mother didn't let the kids do any of the house work. My mother had to learn on the job when she got married. From that time on she swore that her children would all learn, starting at a young age. All of us had to chip in with household chores, including cooking, laundry and caring for the ones younger than you. Yes this was a blessing, as all 15 of my mom and dad's children were and are still sought after in work situations as hard workers, innovative problem solvers, and independent thinkers who are ready to lead. Early life training has made myself and most of my siblings pretty well off....... ......(at least well off enough to enjoy SS cruising!)

Mrs Banjo has had a private chef for 43 years……. My mom made sure each of her children could cook, clean and sew, didn’t matter if you were a boy or girl. Then dad made sure the boys all had a trade, “to fall back on” , if that college thing didn’t work out.

I’m sure you will enjoy it, they are a class act, as is SS

Enjoy the cruise, wish we were with you!

My Dr always said, “if it tastes good, spit it out, it’s bad for you”

Wow, here is a link to an article. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-64138743 I feel bad for those on board, I think they are going over the top down under!

Yes, Mrs Banjo and remember 2022 similarly, and we are glad to be in 2023

That is soooo cool! Mrs Banjo and I have never been on Endeaver, but the Wind and Cloud are two of our favorite ships. What a wonderful photo.

We are booked with AMA. I was sold on an A&K, but was convinced to look at AMA during a dinner discussion on our recent SS cruise with a lady who is a travel agent.

Haha, spell check, I hate it

Hi Lois, Logos we’re my business for 30 years………. And Mrs Banjo and I sailed on Hollander America many times when they had smaller ships. hope you are well, looking forward to your next cruise. Theresa and I will be cruising the Nile River in March. Next SS cruise is not in the very near future, possibly in the fall. Hope our paths cross again sometime.

That’s a Hollander America ship, not sure which one, but I’m sure somebody can tell us which HAL ship is in Auckland.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all from another part of the (not yet), frozen North. No snow today plenty of wind, 30 mph. Today 60f, but expected to fall into teens tonight and stay there through Christmas. BRRRRRRR