Quartzsite Cruiser

Good morning from a still dark central Texas. I woke up earlier than I expected, and we don't have to leave for UTSW quite as early, so I thought I'd pop in very quickly. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I appreciate your posting the links this morning. The only time I've posted pictures of Skjolden was just a few days ago. Unfortunately, National Night Out is not celebrated in our small community. CAD helped DH in developing and maintaining his computer program. Ice cream sandwiches are good, but it's been a long time since we've had any. I like today's quote. I use my mother's recipe for potato salad, but I leave out the green olives and add hard cooked eggs along with chopped celery. green bell pepper, salt and pepper. After mixing all the ingredients, I add mayonnaise. We'll pass on the drink, but I might try the wine. The date in history changed India. We've been to Skjolden, and I'll let Sandi post my pictures since I need to start getting ready to head to Dallas. Jake, I've actually petted some striped kitties. A friend of my father's had some baby skunks who's mother was killed. The had been deodorized thought. Their fur was very soft. Sandi, thanks for posting my pictures. Time to get ready. Lenda

@lazey1 A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jane. Wishing you many more wonderful birthdays in the years to come. Lenda

They were the best. Lenda

It was difficult, but my parents worked very hard tp give me as normal a childhood as possible. My mother never let us see how hard it was for her to miss out on things, but the wonderful lady, Mamie, who was her other caregiver and who took care of me, told us after my mother died, that she would often cry when my father and would leave for something she could not attend. Such a situation makes you grow up fast. DH and I had a small afternoon church wedding with family, including Mamie and the lady who was my mother's and my babysitter so my mother could attend. Afterwards, there was a big reception for all the friends. It was the first day of dove season. All the wives and daughters were at the reception while the husbands and sons were out hunting. Dove hunting was the only hunting my father did, but he missed it that year. Lenda

Carolyn, I'm sorry your niece's MS is back. It is a horrible and unpredictable disease. My mother was diagnosed with it when I was in fifth grade, and unfortunately, she had the type that was progressive and never went into remission. I hope your niece's flare up does not last long, and she can have more years of remissiom. Lenda

Good afternoon after a busy morning and early afternoon. The errands were finished early, but the donut run was not successful. They are closed today and tomorrow, so I wound up with a coffeecake from the grocery store. The last load of clothes is in the dryer and once they are folded, that's it for today. Terry, I'm glad you are managing fairly with and that help is available for the few technical issues and other questions. I hope your DH can tolerate the chemo and not have too many side affects. Annie, thanks for the pictures of Stone Mountain. The first one with the reflection in the water is stunning. I hope the dog walking is not too much for you with everything that's going on now. I also hope the telemed visit with the oncologist will give you and your DH some answers. Gerry, I'm glad the gout medicine is working for you DH, but sorry about the stomach issues. It's good they can get your DH in for an angiogram on Thursday, and I hope the find the problem and can fix it with a stent. Jacqui, I hope the injection works and that a monthly injection is all Ivan needs to remain comfortable. Great pictures of Mount Baker, Carolyn. Susan, the gravel coming down the mountains is what convinced me mountain climbing is not for me. Confession, in really bad places, I resorted to sitting down and scooting down the trail on my rear end. Not the easiest on the clothes, but better a broken bone. Susan, I'm glad the podiatrist was able to help you and hope the next appointment makes you even more comfortable when walking. It's good that one of the workers took Diane's older cat home with her. I hope her DH will let he keep the cat. Sandi, I'm glad Ren's practice is early in the morning when it is more comfortable. Unfortunately, your DDIL and Kai picked a time when it is getting hotter for the next few days to fly to Dallas. I hope they can get what the need for the apartment easily. Jack, wishing Sue a good outcome with the stress test tomorrow. Debbie, I'm glad you had a fun day in Sydney, and thanks for the pictures. Don't beat Sandi and Dennis @StLouisCruisers too badly at Farkle while they are learning. 😉 Terri, I hope they can get the a/c fixed today, and if not make a place on the schedule asap to finish the repair. Are they going to cover replacing the ruined flooring? Joy, I hope your friend's sister is comfortable during her final hours. And I hope the family can find peace in the good memories of her. Lenda

We have been to Walvis Bay twice, but not on a BHB. In 2002, it was the next to last stop on the P&O world cruise. In 2009, it was the next to last stop on the Tahitian Princes cruise from NYC to Cape Town by way of Greenland, Iceland, Dover, etc. Walvis Bay is a small town, and Swakopmund is the bigger town several miles away. My pictures will be a collection from both cruises. In 2000, we took a airplane fight over the dunes and along the coast. This first picture is of the tallest dune as we flew very close to it. Salt from salt ponds near Walvis Bay is a big industry there. These are the salt ponds, and the salt from the ponds that is read to ship. In 2000, we found a taxi to take us around Walvis Bay and to Swakopmund, while we rented a car in 2009. These are pictures from Walvis Bay. The Hotel Swakopmund The name of this restaurant caught my attention. A couple more pictures of Swakopmund. There is a definite German influence here and in Luderitz further south. The Germans settled this area and mined diamonds at least 100 years ago. Another tourist area near Walvis Bay is Dune #7. We did not attempt to climb the dune, just watched the others. The big ball is driven to the top of the dune, and once the people get in it through the hole in the end, it rolls down to the bottom. The brave people in the picture are the singers and dancers/cruise staff from the Tahitian Princess. Finally, from the stern of the Oriana, is Walvis Bay looking toward the dunes as the sun was setting. Lenda

Caron, that's great news about the passport. There was a story on the news yesterday or Saturday, about the delays in processing the passports. Lenda

Good afternoon from a hot, 104F, and sunny central Texas. I'm now inside until close to sunset, when it will be cooler, think mid to upper 90s, but no sun. It feels good to have a clean house, for now at least. The first load of towels has been folded and put away. The second load which is the cleaning towels and rags is in the dryer. Otherwise, not much going on around here. As of six hours ago, according to Texas A&M Forest Service, the wildfire is now 95% contained with just a few interior areas still burning, but not a threat to the containment. They will continue to keep an eye on the fire though. I think this will be my last fire report. Our county and several others are now under burn bans. So far as I know, we are not under water restrictions, so our grass is watered at night when there is less chance of evaporation. The areas where we didn't plant grass are getting browner and drier by the day. The only good thing about that is there is less grass to mow in this hot weather. Ann, I hope you had a safe flight today. Thank you for the pictures, and I'm glad the birthday celebration and the family dinner were fun. Sandi, thank you for offering to do the links Wednesday. I hate for you to have to interrupt your vacation, but appreciate the offer. We'll need to leave between 7 and 7:30 am, and I don't think I'll have time to look for the links and get everything ready in time, even though I plan to get some things done Tuesday night. When DH read your comment about the 34 year old escort, he asked me what it was about. Somehow, he had missed that meme. Maureen, I hope everything goes well for you DH's surgery tomorrow, and for a quick recovery, with the same good results as the first surgery. Karen, you are entitled to get teary now and then. Please wish your DS a VERY HAPPY 47TH BIRTHDAY for us. I agree with @kazu Jacqui, that you are a very strong person. Susan, sending positive thoughts for strength for you as you attend Diane's service. I hope someone adopts her cats soon. The two young dachshund sound enticing, but right now is not a good time for us to adopt a dog, much less two . I hope the podiatrist has some easy solutions for you foot problem. Carolyn, I hope you feel better soon, and that the test is negative. Annie, I'm glad your DH got a job and with the Austin Opera. I'm glad he wants to work, as that will help keep his mind off his problems. I hope they find a therapy for him that works, and from what I've read, they see to get good results from the immunotherapy. I hope your back and arm are feeling better. Terry, I hope all goes well with your DH's chemo treatments, and that the learning curve for the infusion isn't too difficult. Lenda

Good morning from a warm central Texas. At 6:20 am it is 78F and feels like 82F, with a predicted high of 105F. I think it is clear, but since the sun is not up yet, I can't be sure. I'll be getting my exercise today by cleaning house instead of my usual walk. I'll celebrate mutts day, and we'll have an avocado with out dinner if it is ripe. DH enjoys watermelon, but we don't have any in the house. Rodney Dangerfield always made me laugh, and today's quote is no exception. A hamburger sounds good for supper, but we don't have any buns. Maybe tomorrow after I go to the grocery store. We'll skip the drink, and I look forward to seeing what the wine is today. The start of the Pilgrim's journey changed history. We've been to Plymouth, England, where they spent some unexpected time having repairs made to the Mayflower. We should also honor the Pilgrim mothers. These pictures are from our 2016 visit to Plymouth on Prinsendam. We have been to Recife once in 1999 on Noordam III, but that was back in the pre-digital age. Along with Sandi, @StLouisCruisers we were supposed to to there in 2015 on Ruby Princess. Sandi, also did not have any pictures to share since she has not been to the port, yet. The port was canceled about 3 months before the cruise due to unrest and crime in the area. Recife was the port of the day at least twice, and here are the links to Rich's @richwmn threads for those days. Speaking of the links to the port of the day, I have a favor to ask. Can someone find the links on Wednesday and post them? DH has an early appointment at UTSW in Dallas, and we have to leave very early. I won't have time to look for the links that morning. Also, if either Sandi or I have posted pictures, could you also repost them for me? And, if you find any typos, feel free to correct my posts. @Mr. Boston I hope your last week of work goes smoothly and there are no surprises. @cruising sister Lorraine, sending positive thoughts that Murphy does well when she is taken off the ECMO today, and that her recovery continues without any more setbacks. I know your being there is a comfort to your brother and DSIL. Thanks for the picture of a beautiful sunrise. @smitty34877 Terry, I hope all goes well for your DH today. @marshhawk Annie, I hope your DH's appointment today goes well and he is one step closer to having a treatment plan in place. Lenda

Mary Kay, that is a cute story. Good luck with the move. Lenda

Carolyn, thanks for the information about the movie. It has a good cast, and my guess is that the trailer is from the second half of the movie. Lenda

Good afternoon from a hot and getting hotter central Texas. It is about 97F with just a few stray clouds. I managed to finish my "art" project without getting too messy or too much spray paint on me. I also put a big piece of cardboard under the "critters" so the port floor stayed clean, and there wasn't any wind which helped keep things neat. When I finish here, we're going to get out of the house and take the convertible for a drive -- with the top UP! The latest information on the wildfire is it is 50% contained. There was a small breakout fire that was quickly handled by the bulldozer operators. Now we just need some rain to get the fire out. I'm glad so many are having cooler weather. If you can spare some, please send it toward the southern part of the US. @ottahand7 Nancy, thanks for the wonderful flower pictures. Gerry, I'm glad you DH is doing better with the medication. I like my air fryer which has three racks, but it is just an air fryer. Vanessa, it was worth staying up late to see your night blooming cactus. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Denise, not only are you good for Fancy, she is good for you with helping lower your blood sugar. Sharon, sending positive thoughts that your family member who is dealing with a situation. While we don't eat lunch, often on a BHB l'll get the cheesecake for a mid-day snack. I'm glad you are finally getting some monsoon rains. Susan, bless you for trying to find a home for Diane's cats. It is always difficult to lose a close friend, and more so when it's sudden. Graham, that is so true about the dog. However, we did have one diva dachshund who did not like criticism, but was good at giving it. 🤣 She was the alpha member of the family, both animal and human, and would not let you forget it. Puerto Chiapas is an interesting port, but you need to take a tour or go into town. There is not much in the port area except a few vendors in the port building. Lenda

Here are some pictures Sandi @StLouisCruisers posted of Puerto Chiapas on June 1 of this year. We stopped at Puerto Chiapas on our Panama Canal (FLL to San Diego). To be honest, that stop is basically a cruise ship built dock with nothing there but a building where the local dancers can welcome you and a few trinkets sold there. If you don't take a tour here, and I don't know what those tours were because we didn't take one, you have to stay on the ship or buy a ride on a van to the next town, Tapachula though I didn't know the name. There wasn't a lot there to see or interest us so basically we rode over there, got out to walk around a bit and high-tailed it back to the ship. Edited to add the ship was the Westerdam and the date was March 2016. View of the dock dancers showing their skills Buses for the tours getting ready to fill up Vans for shuttling to town As you can tell there was nowhere to go here by the ship, so we took the van to Tapachula. Photos of the city below. Riders in the back of a pick up truck. Heading to the air conditioning on the ship. AAAHHH! But first a photo of Flat Stanley at the welcome sign to show he was here.

As I mentioned in the previous post, in 2014 on the Veendam, our tour took us to a local school and a banana plantation. There was an unscheduled stop at the local church. The church ladies had prepared a lunch for us which was quite good with local foods. There was a discrete donation box, which we all gladly added too. These are just a few of the imagines from the school. The fathers greeted us with a marimba concert. This is a typical classroom. The students performed their local dances for us. Before we arrived at the school, our guide gave each of us a packet of school supplies (cost included in the tour cost). We figured we'd give the packets to one student each. Instead, we were told to open them and talk to the kids before giving them one item from the packet. The way the kids converged on us, reminded me of sea gulls when you throw breadcrumbs at them. This is the inside of the church. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a picture of the lunch. After lunch, we headed to the banana plantation which is close to the border with Guatemala. At that time, most of the workers at the plantation and packing facility were Guatemalans, as they could make more money working in Mexico. We thought that was rather ironic. Of course, the first stop was the banana plants where our guide explained a lot about them. The banana stalks are first washed before being packed. The ones that do not meet the standard for export, are loaded loose in a truck for local use. You can see the truck in the background. Those little stickers on the bananas when they get to the store are put on by hand, with at least one sticker per bunch. They pack the bananas for several different brands. That day they were packing for Dole. Lenda

We have been to Puerto Chiapas three times, and I agree there is not much in the port. The first time on the Statendam in 2009, we did a tour to the Izapa Archaeological Ruins and then a stop in town. The next time was in 2014 on the Veendam. We did a tour that included a stop at a local school and a visit to a banana plantations. Then in 2015, again on the Statendam, we took a van into Tapachula. Because I have quite a few pictures, I will post the ones from the two Statendam stops here. Then, I post the pictures from the Veendam on another post. Here are a couple of pictures from the Izapa Archaeological site. It was interesting, but very hot that day in April. A couple of pictures of Tapachula. In 2015, we took a van into Tapachula and just walked around, trying to follow streets we hadn't walked in 2009. However, all the pictures taken in town are repeats of those others have posted. That day, the ship treated the crew to a barbeque breakfast/lunch on shore depending on their free time. It really smelled good. Here are a couple of pictures of the port, and our BHB. The pool looked so refreshing, we were temped to try it. That was the year we took the Statendam to FLL to meet the Ruby Princess for her 49 day cruise to LA via Cape Horn. It seemed like a better idea than flying to FLL and then flying from LA to Phoenix. Lenda

Good morning from another sunny day in central Texas. It is 77F and feels like 77F, with a predicted high of 103F. As soon as I finish here, I'll take my walk and then work on a project outside. We have about four yard art critters, and every few years they need painting. I cleaned them yesterday and will paint them this morning while it is still cool. Sadly, my wonderful FIL died 23 years ago, and DH's DFIL (my father) died 30 years ago. International friendship is important and through cruising and the Daily, we have many great international friends. I love cheesecake, but only have it on BHBs, and other ships. The Jean Anouilh quote is a great one. We'll pass on the fish burgers, but we'll be having fish tonight. The drink and the wine sound nice. The VA House of Burgesses was the beginning of democracy in the colonies and ultimately in the US. We have been to Puerto Chiapas several times. It has been the port of the day three times, with the last time using a new name of Puerto Madero. Here are the links to the three previous times we've had this port. @cat shepard Ann, I'm glad your nephew's son was finally able to let go of some of his grief yesterday. It is good there was fun mixed in with the sadness. Enjoy your day in Boston with friends and family. Lenda

@AV8rix Susan, have a wonderful cruise on NA. Lenda

Vanessa, thanks for the clarification. The story I read mentioned several attractions, some of which were closing and others being updated. Lenda

Brenda, thanks for the lovely pictures. I'm glad someone has been to the port. Lorraine, I'm glad you are there to help support your DB and DSIL. It's so hard to watch someone needing a lot of medical attention and not being able to help. Sending positive thoughts for Baby Murphy for Monday. I'm glad the oxygen is down to 30% and that she is getting stronger. Carolyn, IIRC, they are also closing some other rides, and most of them seemed to be the tamer rides. My guess is the younger guests now want more thrill rides. IMHO, thrill rides and Disney just don't go together. Lenda

Good morning, at least it is as I start this. I was finished with everything, even some unplanned items, in less than 2 1/2 hours. I wish I'd gotten outside earlier, but that is not always possible. It was not that hot, but with the bright sun and no wind, I was glad I had the cooling towel. It is now 97F, and of course, the winds has come up now that I'm inside. 😁 I just check on the wildfire, and there have been no updates since yesterday. I am taking that to mean they are getting it more under control. If they also did not have wind for most of the morning that should have helped. @marshhawk Annie, I hope the PT homework helps with the back and arm pain. Enjoy the races and the play today. @Nickelpenny Penny, that's a great picture with the tiger. After reading about the temple and the controversy, I can understand why there are no longer tigers at the temple. @ger_77 Gerry, I'm sorry you DH is suffering from gout. I hope the meds help clear it up quickly. It sounds like your friend got the tribute she deserved. @dfish Debbie, one reason we like turnaround days is the ship, for a few hours, is quiet and relaxing. We usually find a quiet lounge and sit by the window to watch the activity on the pier. On Koningsdam, we were able to enjoy our balcony and watch all the hustle and bustle unloading and loading the ship, but then we're not big pool or fitness center fans. Turnaround day also gives me the chance to walk some of the halls and check out the different type of cabins for future reference. @durangoscots Susan, I hope you sleep better tonight. Another quote I like that I think applies to me sometimes is, "The hurrier I go, the further behind I get". I just can't remember where I heard it. @Heartgrove Jack, I hope you can persuade Sue to add the cruise to your spring trip. It sounds interesting. @grapau27 Graham, our condolences to Pauline and you on the death of her cousin. @Cruising-along Carolyn, I'll be interested in hearing how you like the movie. The ads for it look interesting. The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides at Disney World and Disneyland. Sadly, I read recently they are closing that ride and replacing it with something else. 😞 @kazu Jacqui, I'm sorry Ivan is still having some bad days. I hope the second injection takes care of the problem. If only our dogs and cats could tell us when it hurts. Even with Ivan's ups and downs, he is living a much better life now. I hope the new med for your friend's DH works, and he has more time with a better quality of time. @Vict0riann Ann, I also approve of the slower speeds to save the orcas and whales. Those of us in the US will also be subject to the new visa requirements for Europe. Lenda

Good morning from central Texas. It is 76F and feels like 76F, but will be 101F later today. I'll be heading out to mow and trim the yard as soon as I finish here. Then, I'll be inside the rest of the day until we take our nightly golf cart ride. I have not seen an update on the wildfire since yesterday morning. Tigers are magnificent cats and deserve a day. I like chicken winds and lasagna, but tonight it will be chicken fajitas. Today's quote is very true, and Queen Elizabeth II was an amazing and wise lady. The meal sounds good, and we might have it in the future. We'll pass on the drink and the wine even though it has a good price. We have not been to Aomori City, Japan. Since neither Sandi @StLouisCruisers or I have been to the port, there are no pictures from either of us to repost. It has been the port of the day twice, on April 8, 2021, and December 14, 2022. Here are the links for Rich's @richwmn threads on those days. Steamboat Willie changed Walt Disney's life and began an empire. @grapau27 Graham, Pauline and you will be in our thoughts today. @Crazy For Cats Welcome home, Jake and Juan. @Cruzin Terri Terri, I'm sorry about Jim's incision opening. Take it easy today and try to keep cool. @cat shepard Ann, I'm glad you made it to your destination safely in spite of the hassles. Lenda

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, I'm glad you made it safely to Boston and were able to get some rest. I know you and Dennis will have a wonderful cruise. BON VOYAGE! Lenda

Good afternoon. It turned into a busy morning. First we made a quick trip to W-M for a few things that I can't get locally. We also filled the car since gas there was less than what we saw in town. When we got home, DH decided to take the convertible up to a local station which had lowered their price while we were running the first errand. One the way home, we stopped a our local station to have the tires rotated. Now, we're inside for the remainder of the afternoon. As of an hour ago, the fire was still at 300 acres and 40% contained. They worked through the night to strengthen the containment lines around the fire, and around the houses within the burned area. Currently, there are not evacuations, voluntary or otherwise, issued, and the highway is open. We are far enough away from the fire, that it is not a worry for us. The fire is one of many throughout the state because of our heat and very dry conditions. Joy, I wish my "weather reports" had some better news that HOT!, HOT!, HOT!. Susan, our condolences on the passing of your friend and to her family and friends. I'm sorry you also got the sad news that another friend is in hospice. Brenda, our condolences to your DH on the passing of his cousin, and to your neighbors on the loss of their daughter. @dobiemom Marcia, I saw the reference to the BLT salad recipe. Lenda

At least, I got back from my walk before it got really hot. A neighbor who was driving by stopped for a quick chat. With this heat, we hardly ever see our neighbors, much less get a chance to visit. Annie, thanks for the information on the Buffalo soldiers. They were stationed at several forts in Texas, including Ft. Phantom Hill outside of Abilene where I grew up. The best preserved fort is Fort Davis in Fort Davis, Texas, which is a National Historic Site. Marcia, thanks for mentioning the BLT salad needs tweaking. Gerry, I agree about the so called "white" chocolate, which doesn't even taste like milk chocolate, much less dark chocolate. Lenda