sgmn

19 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

I’m glad you are feeling a little better. Sorry about poor little Isaac. I will keep him in my thoughts to get better.

Thank you Greg 😊  he's home now 

21 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Ahh, poor little Isaac.  So sad to see little ones suffer.   Hopefully they find a resolution soon.  Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you and Isaac.🙏🦋💐

Thanks Debbie, he was released late yesterday so home last night.  Think if he gets a virus it causes wheezing which affects his oxygen levels

6 hours ago, time4u2go said:

Fever, lethargic, and actively vomiting? He should not be going on a cruise.

 

He's not going to want to travel if he's ill anyway. I would think he would just want to stay in his own bed and recover.  He probably wouldn't enjoy the holiday if he's feeling rotten 

I guess I would re-evaluate on Friday.

Well done on getting the catch all insurance 

16 hours ago, Bloodaxe said:

 

Was Gary's father based in Yorkshire during the war?, we live in the edge of a wartime airfield just South of Selby, about 20 miles from the air museum.

The main aircraft that flew from here were Halifaxs, what a pity that the Halifax at Elvington is not airworthy.

Our airfield at Burn still has quite a few runways usable and the local gliding club use them.

A few years ago the R A F used it for training landings and take off from remote locations.

A wartime reunion was held in the 1998 and people came from as far away has Canada and Australia to attend, local villagers were welcome and it was great to talk with the veterans.

The flypast was done by the Lancaster has obviously no Halifax was available.

A memorial book to 578 squadron is kept in Selby Abbey South of York.

 

 

 

I don't think so, he was in 148 squadron (now disbanded). He would of been 18 when he joined and trained as a flight engineer.  (He had been working with cars since 14).

He wouldn't speak much about his war service, but Gary has since found out a lot through the war records at Kew and his log book and also this book(below) details all the missions.  So mostly doing special ops dropping tons of supplies and agents to the resistance fighters behind enemy lines from Brindisi and North Africa. Most of the crews were Canadian 

If you click on the link and then on 'more' in the precis of the book it gives a summary of their missions 

https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Trusty_to_the_End.html?id=xI9DswEACAAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=y

You live in a beautiful part of our country, I definitely want to spend more time doing land trips in the UK.  There's so many parts I haven't visited 

19 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I somehow missed your post yesterday while playing catch up.   Sorry to hear you have covid.  Hopefully you feel better soon and everyone else will be ok.

 

We have a girl in our office that wasn't feeling well end of last week and she called me Saturday to say both her and her Daughter tested positive. 

 

I spoke with her yesterday and she said she feels fine now.  She only felt crappy for 2 days.   This was her 2nd time with covid.    

 

Fingers crossed your symptoms remain mild and are over quickly.

 

Hoping noone else at work caught it, especially since we are already short staff due to vacations. 

Today  (Wednesday) is day four from symptoms and each day I'm feeling better, though after going for a short walk to the end of the road yesterday I felt pretty tired. 

More importantly little Isaac is in hospital again. Last night was the third night. They are concerned about his  oxygen levels and want to monitor them particularly when he's sleeping. 

Hopefully he'll be released today  I feel bad we can't help my son and DIL with care as they are there the whole time and struggling to work as much as possible too, but because of my covid we can't even visit 

I hope everyone in your office, and especially you, are OK. Covid is such an insidious illness, you don't realise you've got it until a few days into being infectious.

We had a lovely couple of days in York and the Aviation Museum last week. We had one day in York and definitely want to go back.  We climbed up the very narrow twisty staircase to the top of the Minster tower 278 steps I think.

The next day we went to the Aviation Museum. Gary was in his element. He paid for a one to one with a Halifax expert (his father flew on them in WW2) and they chatted for three hours. 

We met on an Aviation course in Surrey 37 years ago and the very same Dove that they had at the college is now in the Yorkshire Museum 

Other coincidences from our lives there too. A Hunter, the type of which my dad worked on in the RAF and the Gate Guardian on the Canadian Base in Baden Germany where Gary lived as a teenager

The Minster 

the Canadian Gate Guardian 

The Halifax 

The Dove 

12 hours ago, Luckynana said:

+1  @Keksie  Absolutely gorgeous!

Feel better, Sue.   Have you had covid once before?  Jim and I each have had it once each.  I sure hope it stays that way!🤞  

We both had it in Feb '22. 

There's nothing in the news anymore about it and as people don't report it there's no knowing if it's spiking again. 

My 1 year old g/son first birthday and christening celebration on the 3rd so I hope I'm over the infectious stage by then. 

Thank you everyone for your good wishes 😊 

16 hours ago, grapau27 said:

 

Tomorrow is our 42nd wedding anniversary.

Happy Anniversary Graham and Pauline. I hope you have a lovely day however you decide to celebrate 🍾 💗 

11 hours ago, Luckynana said:

My dear friend Lois will be 92 this November.  She exercises in her pool, plays bocci, and drinks her wine at 4:00 daily.  She is my role model!😊

Wow, what an inspiration 

17 minutes ago, Clearwater said:

Leaving on a short 4 night cruise in early September.  We aren't big main show people but we do enjoy comedy clubs on other ships.  Does the Serenade have comedians on board?

They should be filling out the activities in the RC app soon. Looking at the next four night cruise leaving today, it shows two production shows , one impressionist and a headliner mixing comedy, ventriloquism and improvisation 

These are in the main theatre

So after feeling a bit rough yesterday, I checked with a covid tests today and yeap, I'm positive 😷 feel tired and like I have a bad cold.

We went out with good friends on the boat on Saturday so I'm worried now I may of passed it onto them. 

Gary is OK at mo.

12 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

My retired friend started going to Aqua Aerobics a few years ago.  Everyone in the classes got on so well, they started walking together once a week, then the Aqua teacher suggested a holiday together as a group. They first went to Sri Lanka.  It was a success, so the following year they went to Greece.  That was a success and this year they are in Croatia.  They continue to do Aqua, walks, and now group visits to Art Galleries etc between yearly holidays.

Sounds fabulous. My gym has a club within a club for over '60s, called The Invincibles. They have additional low impact classes just for them and meet up for theatre trips and outings. They also organise holidays away. 

They are very lively bunch, full of fun.  Apparently once you hit 90 the gym is free !!

2 minutes ago, ollienbertsmum said:

 

Gosh all that sounds very worrying.  I hope that you are feeling better. 

 

I also want to thank you for raising the issue of blood pressure meds.  Earlier in te year I found that my blood pressure was high.  I was a little affronted because my blood pressure had always been low.  Anyway I have lost about 10 lb and can get a bit lower, I have reduced my alcohol consumption which had crept up to daily while I was overworking, Dr told me that my exercise routine of lots of walking was not enough - I have added in some flights of steps and hills, I am also adding in some cardio workouts and planks.  Dr said he had confidence that lifestyle changes would work for me.  Every now and again I waver - starting planks at 64 yrs is not easy.   I think to myself “why not go for meds like so many others do?”.  There is not even a cost implication, I am am a pensioner so I don’t pay for meds or health care.  

 

You started a conversation that has demonstrated why I need to try a bit harder (or at least to keep trying).  Thank you and keep eating the bananas.  

Aqua aerobics is a good non impact cardio workout. I try to fo a class 3 times a week and finish off with some lengths 

4 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Well yesterday was a stressful day. We went to a celebration of life for our dear friends mother. I did not eat  lunch but while we were there started to get light headed. I decided to sit down for awhile and apparently someone saw my eyes roll back into my head and I think I passed out. Next thing I’m doing is laying on floor talking to paramedics. I started feeling better after drinking some water and did not want to be taken to the hospital. Linda and the others thought otherwise. So off I went. The paramedics were really nice including the one riding with me who loves to cruise Royal Caribbean too. Got fluids in the ER and some blood work done. The doctor said my potassium levels were real low and probably was the culprit. Now that I think about it this was most likely the cause of my Galveston Cruise episode where I fainted and fell and broke my collarbone. I was also dehydrated and that was caused by my blood pressure medicine having a diuretic in it so I pee more than I put in. So it looks like more bananas will be in my diet. I was extremely embarrassed that it happened but all my friends where so caring and concerned it was nice of them. I’m fine today just a little tired. The staff and doctors at the hospital were great I was in and out after a couple of hours. I’m so glad it wasn’t serious and that it’s treatable with diet. Banana colada anyone????

cheers,

Oh Greg, I'm sorry to hear this and thank goodness you didn't hurt yourself when you want down. 

But good tha it was easily diagnosed and easily treatable. 

A good early wake up call that has given you the heads up 

We never seemed to get my mum's BP meds right. She was always fainting especially in church with all the sitting and standing and sitting again. In the end I had to go with her . (Because of her dementia she refused to stay sitting when everyone else stood and refused to stay at home )

41 minutes ago, twangster said:

 

Plus it doesn't help the cause that an elevated number of UK cruisers remove the daily service fees a.k.a gratuity.  I don't mean to open that can of worms but at the end of the day it is part of the equation for the company and their bottom line when crewing ships for each market.

If it really is a bigger problem ex UK than other ports, then perhaps they should do what they do in some other ports and roll the gratuities up into the upfront fare 

2 hours ago, gumshoe958 said:

Isn’t the whole point of Quantum class that it’s more of an ‘indoor’ ship and WAS designed specifically for ‘cold’ markets like the UK? Yet we Brits still moaned about being sent Anthem every year despite her being a hugely impressive ship, second only to Oasis class which is clearly incompatible with the UK.
 

Fact is we’ll happily moan about whichever ship we’re sent, and maybe Royal’s had enough. It can make much easier money elsewhere and leave us to whinge to our heart’s content on P&O and MSC.

 

(Or - far simpler and probably more likely explanation - new CEO, different priorities. Fain saw potential for Royal to grow in the UK. Liberty doesn’t.)

 

Just because people have strong opinions doesn't mean they are 'whinging' , just because they have a different opinion to you doesn't make their thoughts of less value. This is a discussion board. I'm a bit fed up of some fellow Brits always moaning about Moaning Brits 😂

Royal Caribbean sails from one UK  port with (at the moment) one ship, therefore the same one ship, year on year, same dining choices,  same shows, same ports does get a bit repetitive,  especially if you can't or won't fly for whatever reason (yes, I know you can get the ferry to Amsterdam ). 

I actually agree Anthem is best suited for our shores and I like the ship, and I also travel to Europe and USA for other ports/ships. But I'm not going to dismiss other people concerns who may not want to travel.

You say RC makes more money elsewhere  and maybe they do, but IMO cruises out of UK are set at a pretty high price

On 8/17/2023 at 1:31 PM, h20skibum said:

Yesterday was our Unbirthday celebration for our grandson from California.  He will turn 11, a week from Friday, but he will be back in California by then.  

 

Our party size grew at the last minute, when my sister said her kids were going to be in town with their kids, so we added five more to our list and went to buy more steak and chicken.  That was one of my tasks, to grill all the meat.  

 

This was a first to grill for that many people.  Filled the grill twice to get it all cooked, but everything turned out perfect. 

 

 

 

I think I mentioned that this year’s theme would be Harry Potter.    I understand they do have Harry Potter bounce houses, but none are available for rent in our area, so we had a regular one. 

 

 

The kids all had a blast on it. 

 

 

We had a talking, sorting hat.  Our granddaughter had fun with it, finding everyone’s house. 

 

 

 

 

What would the party be without butter beer

 

 

And fishy green ale

 

 

We had our favorite bakery make some Potter cookies for the party

 

 

 

And our cake lady made a nice Potter theme cake. 

 

 

And finally, we had an Owlery, and all the kids at the party got to adopt an owl to take home.  

 

 

I will say, even I still enjoy bouncing and sliding, and hope I never get too old for it. 

 

 

Susan did a fantastic job with all the other food prep for the party.  I think I will keep her around.  Sorry Tracy. 🤣

 

 

 

 

Looks absolutely fabulous.  My DIL would so love this. She is a massive HP fan 

Happy 11th birthday to your grandson 

On 8/16/2023 at 11:13 PM, Sunshine3601 said:

 

I don't even what to think about the fact our fiscal year ends on 8/31.    I cannot wait till we board Serenade for 12 nights in September.    This will be our first official cruise with no laptops to work remotely.     Yippee!!!     I will periodically check my work emails on my phone but that's nothing compared to actually working.

Not long now Debbie. Looking forward to meeting you and your DH on board. I vaguely remember seeing one photo of you , Blond maybe ? Hopefully we don't look too different from my avatar, bit older maybe.  Dani spotted Gary first when we were on the same Beyond cruise last year. 

We're staying two nights precruise in downtown Tampa and our flights have just been confirmed so all looks good to go. 

We haven't got any WiFi package, can someone remind what to do with our phones to use the free app on board but not get roaming charges. Is it put into flight mode and switch on wifi calling ? Or just put into flight mode.

Also any ideas for Grand Caymen DIY, beach day or otherwise .

In Aruba we have a late departure, any ideas of a nice restaurant in town for an evening meal?

Sue

So I always say to myself, don't get drawn into 'tipping' arguments, but here's my two penny's worth.

We always leave the suggested gratuities in place and usually tip extra at the end of a cruise to room attendant, and our waiters. 

But I don't understand why people regularly talk about tipping the bar staff on top of the 18% they already get. Even a $ a drink makes the gratuities almost 30% for maybe just taking off the cap off a bottle of beer or sloshing out some wine from an already opened bottle. The only time we tip bar staff, is for our diamond drinks.

And why is there gratuities on stuff you buy in their shops?

You use to be able to phone up and buy obc for your account in advance of sailing.  At a very good rate of exchange 

But haven't done it for at least five years , so not sure if its still possible 🤔 

37 minutes ago, ollienbertsmum said:

 

Great match - the only thing is now they have to face Spain.  Spain and Gibraltar do not have good relations.  I almost wanted them to lose.  If I had known about the State holiday for Auzzielozzie I think I might have been cheering more for the Matildas.  

A lot of Brits on holiday in Spain during the world cup final too . But it's women's  football so hopefully everyone will be civilised and concentrate on having a good time and enjoying some good football

21 hours ago, aussielozzie18 said:

This time tomorrow night the Lionesses (England) will be playing the Matildas (Australia) in the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.  The support that our National Women’s Team has been receiving here is phenomenal.  Pretty sure most of Australia will be glued to their screens tomorrow night.

 Should the Matildas progress through to the final and win the Cup, our State Premier has said we will have a public holiday to celebrate and a ticket-tape parade in Sydney.  

 

To our English friends here - may the best team win 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚽️🇦🇺

Lots in our news too about the game. With a big Aussie contingent in London,  there's lots of places for fans to come together to watch 

The girls game is so big now in UK.  Great role models 

On 8/14/2023 at 10:25 PM, bobmacliberty said:

 

The York Minster is a great place to visit.  If you're able to handle a lot of stairs, I recommend going up to the roof.  There's also a fantastic set of roman ruins under the Minster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh wow, what amazing views. We won't have a lot of time for sightseeing but will definitely visit the Minster and the shambles area 

1 hour ago, island lady said:

 

Serenade WC...they would not give me a choice.  Stuck with MTD  ☹️

Have you been able to book specific times?  They've given us early set dining for the WC segment BCN to Southampton.  

I would rather eat between 7.00 and 8pm 

I'm tempted to ask for MTD, but I would think all the full World cruisers would of booked all the reasonable times by now

@grapau27Graham, we're off to the Yorkshire Aviation Museum this week and staying one night in York.

 We won't have a lot of time but hope to fit in a visit to York Minster and get a feel for the city