Quartzsite Cruiser

Susan, I have a question about animal shelters that you might be able to answer. We have some very old, but still useable towels of various sizes that I hate to throw away, but the thrift store probably wouldn't want. Is it possible an animal shelter could use the towels for drying cats (?) and dogs after their bath? Lenda

Ray, I just checked the fare for Th Bus in Honolulu. The senior fair with a Medicare card is $1/ride or $2/day pass. For those non-seniors among us the fares are $2/ride or $5.50/day. Either way, that is a bargain, and on the days we don't rent cars, we/ve used The Bus. Lenda

Great picture of a beautiful rainbow. Ann, glad you remembered your glasses while you had time to go back and get them. I've gotten to where I keep a pair in my purse and pack two extras in the carry on, but then, mine are just reading glasses not prescription. Good news the flight crew is there and it looks like the flight is a go. Great news both of your and your bags are on the plane. Hope the flight is smooth and you have a great time at the beach with family. Sounds like everyone is having a great weekend. Melisa, that is really good news that Curt was moved to rehab. I hope they can help him improve and can make the long recovery easier. Our condolences on the loss of your friend of 60+ years. In the long run replacing everything at once is probably the wise decision. Sorry this happened in the middle of a very hot summer. We replaced our a/c and heat pump about four years ago, and we lucked out that it was a cool May and we did not need the a/c between the time it went out and they time they got the new one installed. BON VOYAGE! Have a great cruise. Graham, thanks for your nice comments. We were lucky to get that room. By the time we got to the hotel, all the rooms in our category were occupied. The clerk said that if we didn't mind being in a building that was being renovated, he would up grade our room. The room was large and we were never bothered by the work or workers. Lenda

Our usual day(s) in Honolulu are to rent a car and drive across to the North Shore, then continue along the coast and back to Honolulu. These are some pictures from our many drives around the island. The entrance and some pictures in Waimea Valley on the north shore Of course, pictures from Hawaii would not be complete without chickens. We in 2017, we stopped at Sunset Beach on the north shore where the pro surfing was being held. That day, it was too rough for the surfers to compete. 18 months later, the event had been moved to a more protected area. Just after the turn from the north shore headed back to Honolulu, there are shrimp ponds and several food trucks selling shrimp meals. We have eaten at this one twice. The shore past Diamondhead is very rough The first picture is a close-up of one an arch. In 2013, as we sailed from Honolulu, Keanoa was at the sail away hosting a lei tossing party. Instead of throwing them in the ocean, we threw them in the Sea View pool. One last look as we sailed toward Ensenada. Lenda

From June 1, 2021. We tried to figure out how many times we've been to Hawaii, and it is at least 10 times. All but one time, we have rented a car and circled the island I will try not to duplicate pictures, with maybe the exception of Diamondhead and the Aloha Tower. Since we have so many pictures, I'll post the ones of Honolulu first. BTW, we have toured the Arizona, the Missouri and the plane museum, but I'll not duplicate with pictures of the first two. The last time we were in Honolulu was Veterans Day, 2018, and Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific) was decorated in honor of the day. The view of Honolulu from Punchbowl A few pictures of The Pink Lady, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Another iconic symbol of Honolulu was the original International Market. Unfortunately my pictures of the original market are pre-digital. These are pictures of the International Market as it was being rebuilt and after it was rebuilt. At least, they kept the banyan tree. Some of the vendors from the original market, relocated, and I believe it was across the street from the back of the International Market. Old downtown Honolulu In 2007, we arrived three days before a cruise and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We lucked out and got an end room The room had two balconies, one facing the sea and where you could see the Aloha Tower, and the other faced Diamond Head. We'd have breakfast on the first balcony, and wine and a lite snack for supper on the balcony facing Diamondhead. Views from our room, including a sunset. Modern buildings new Waikiki A couple from our 2018 cruise on Westerdam taken from the ship In 2000, our call into Honolulu on P&O's Oriana was her maiden call. As we sailed in at sunrise, we were met by fireboats, and a helicopter that dropped small orchids on the ship. Somehow, we did not get any pictures of the orchid drop. Lenda

Good morning from sunny central Texas. This is our last day in the 90sF for the foreseeable future, and it will be 96F instead of the 93F predicted earlier this week. BUT that's Texas weather for you. Unfortunately, forget day is happening more often, or as I say, the senior moments are beginning to be longer than the non-senior moments. 🤣 I haven't seen an UFO, but I'm no ruling them out. Recreation should be available to everyone. I'm' not sure how I feel about today's quote. We'll pass on the meal, drink and the wine. @dfish Debbie, when we were in Spain, we had the Spanish tortilla, but on the menu it was listed as a Spanish omelet. Whatever it is called, it was good. We have been to Honolulu many times on cruises and embarking or disembarking cruises. I'll find the pictures I posted last year. @Sharon in AZ Congratulations to your DH on his retirement. @dobiemom I hope your GF's DH recovers quickly and they can get the pain under control @Seasick Sailor Loved the picture of the fawn. When do you leave for Hawaii? @StLouisCruisers Sandi, ironing? I quit buying clothes that had to be ironed years ago. Thanks for the pictures of the cute Gracie and the handsome Finn. @marshhawk Ann, I hope the increased meds and the pain management technics will help your DH, and I hope he can get shorter hours and will begin walking and relaxing. Yesterday afternoon we had to go out, and I noticed the fireworks stands were open. I don't no if the fireworks ban on both sales and use has been lifted. I guess we'll find out tonight and the next two nights. Lenda

Susan, when I suggested Grand Junction, I knew the passes would be a problem. I never thought about La Junta. Ann, Carnival is suspending cruises out of Mobile from from October 15, 2022, through September 30, 2023. Then they will make an announcement about the future of cruises from Mobile. Lenda

I don't understand why your sister couldn't get exDIL off her account. What a mess. Are they on cordial terms so your DS could ask her to contact Amazon. Hope it all works out. That's good news about the cellulitis having cleared up. Sunday is not that for off. Glad the HAL excursions were taken care of and without a long wait on hold. Fingers crossed🤞the last vendor is easy too. Ann, safe travels tomorrow with no flight snags. Enjoy your visit with your DD. Lends

That is great news that you got such good reports from all the doctors. Good news the excursion was easily canceled. Hope dealing with the others vendors and HAL go as smoothly. Lenda

Ann, that's the cruise where we met briefly at the M&G. Unfortunately, we did not meet @sailingdutchy Tony on that cruise. Lenda

@durangoscots That is good news that Monty is in good health and only needs his teeth cleaned. Have you considered taking the train to NYC or Boston for a cruise? You could probably get on in Grand Junction. On October 12, 1016, we visited Sarande on Prinsendam, and we returned on July 17, 2019 on Veendam. These pictures are a combination from those two visits. The beach promenade was bustling in July, but pretty much closed down in October. In 2016, we took a taxi from the pier into town since we did not want to climb the steep hill. On one side of the main street there are some ancient ruins. Further along we passed this building The busy main street with a lot of new buildings We then headed to the waterfront and the small boat harbor before taking the promenade back to the Prinsendam. The Prinsendam waiting for our return In 2019, we just walked down the beach to an open air restaurant where we got a cold drink before retracing out steps. Along the way, we stopped at a food cart for gelato. We've found good gelato in Albania for a very reasonable price. There were remnants of old structures along the way. There were more new buildings at the near the small boat harbor. A beach playground A nice sailing yacht with the Veendam in the background. A view of town as we sailed. Many of the buildings under construction in 2008 had been completed. Lenda

Our first visit to Sarande was in 2008 on the Prinsendam. On that cruise, we took a ship tour to Gjirokastra, and old town northeast of Sarande. We visited Gjirokastra Castle, the town and an older house which I believe was Zekate House. Gjirokastra Castle ruins and part of the Arms Museum in the castle. The castle rom the bottom of tall hill it sits on. I don't think we walked up the hill, but we did walk down it, and it was steep. Much of the castle is in ruins. An interesting structure on the castle grounds, but I'm not sure what it was. Gjirokastra from the castle grounds Our next stop was Zekate House, which was built by Beqir Zeko in 1811-12. It is a typical tower house of the times, and it is furnished as it would have been then. Beqir Zeko was a general administrator of Ali Pasha, and would have been a rich man in the town. The kitchen oven Detailed woodwork Old town Gjirokastra A vegetable and fruit market A couple of pictures of Sarande from the Prinsendam as we sailed to the next port. In one picture, you can see the rebuilding after the Balkan War. Lenda

🍁 HAPPY CANADA DAY! 🍁 I hope all our Canadian Dailyites have a wonderful day and weekend. It is sunny and will be in the upper 90sF today. When ZIP codes were first introduced, they improved mail delivery. However, the improvements in the ensuing years seem to have slowed the mail delivery. I have enjoyed visiting zoos, and I now prefer the ones that have created a natural habitat instead of cages for their animals. Zoos are also important in helping species survive with their breeding programs. Financial freedom is nice if you can achieve it. Today's quote is an interesting one, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. We've had gravlax before, but I won't be making any. We'll pass on the drink, but would like the wine. We have been to Sarande three times on BHBs. I'll look for my pictures in a little while. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, you had a busy day yesterday. Hope today is less hectic and you can give your knee a rest. I hope it feels better soon. @aliaschief Sending positive thoughts that your flight is a go and it is not delayed tomorrow. Safe travels. @dfish Debbie, I would think you are also except from the testing requirement, but it probably wouldn't hurt to double check. Hope all the excursions can be changed easily and that the vendors will help with refunds, etc. @Heartgrove Jack, I'm sorry the prognosis for your brother is not good. I hope your DSIL can get all the help she needs to care from him once he's home. @rafinmd Roy, Bon Voyage today, and have a great cruise. Thank you for doing the lists while you are on the cruise. @lindaler Linda, welcome to your new home, and great news the Oregon home is in escrow. Relax and enjoy your new home. We're glad your back here and we missed you. @cunnorl Sorry the vendor could not accommodate your DD, but it was good that HAL let you know early so you can get another excursion lined up. @ottahand7 I'm glad the pulley system worked to change the base on the big green egg. @marshhawk Ann, I'm with you about idiots firing guns in the air. In Arizona, it is against the law to fire a gun into the air. The law was enacted after a young girl was killed by a bullet returning to earth. Around here, we just have fireworks, but our county and the neighboring county have banned the sale and use of fireworks this year due to the severe drought. It will be a quieter July 4th here. @ger_77 Gerry, enjoy the visit with DS, DDIL and the DGSs. Yesterday, after a lot of thought, we canceled both the 2023 and 2024 world cruises on Coral Princess out of Sydney. With the airline situation and reports it will probably last into next year and maybe 2024, plus ongoing Covid outbreaks, and the way Princess has handled Covid outbreaks since the start up, the cancellation seemed like a good move. We'll miss not visiting the ports that would have been new to us, but all in all it was not a sad decision, but the right decision now. I'll go look for my pictures of Sarande now. I just checked on an Amazon package that was supposed to be delivered yesterday by USPS. It is now delayed and I don't know when it will get here. In checking the USPS tracking, it was at our Post Office in town yesterday at 4:15 am and then went two hours south of here. This morning at 5:22 am it was back here, and then an hour later was in Dallas. I guess instead of Where in the World Is Waldo, it's Where in the World Is the Amazon Package. 😱 At least, it's a book, and I won't be ready to read it for a while. Lenda

On the Koningsdam that was our favorite show. The difference was they had the pianists from Billboard on Board. I agree the dancers were a distraction, and the best part when it dancers were not on stage, just the two from Billboard on Board. Of course, the music of Billboard hits was an added plus. I don't remember the chocolate surprise during our two four-week cruises. I guess it could have been the less than 50 percent capacity on those cruises.

Rich, what a nice offer from your friend. It's a win-win. You get to miss the Atlanta airport, long security lines and crowds, and your friend gets flying hours and company. Lenda

Ann, that is good news about Pat's nosebleed stopping. I hope the Vaseline prevents another nosebleed. Sandi, I gald you got home safely if not hassle free. The through checking of the plastic bags is nothing new. In 2016, we almost missed our flight to Amsterdam because I had to wait in line about 30 minutes so they could double check one item, my deodorant. Glad your luggage made it home with you. It was nice of your neighbors to pick you up and to wait for your fligh5. Lenda

It's been a busy day. DH had a follow up appointment with the PA and later another PT session. We got back home in time foe me to get to my haircut appointment. It's amazing how much lighter I feel after a haircut even if the bathroom scales don't always agree. Vanessa, I glad your leg feels better today. Ann, I'm sorry about Pat's nosebleed. I hope he got help at the hospital. That is good news that Pat's siatica is better. I hope your DD is fine after the dental visit. Sending good thoughts that tomorrow is better and that all your flights are a go and are on time. Lenda

Please wish your DH 🎂 A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Terry, please wish your DH A VERY HAPPY 74TH BIRTHDAY! from both of us. Lenda

An early good morning from central Texas. It looks like we'll be in the mid 90sF through Saturday, 99F Sunday and back in triple digits on Monday. Our small town is having the July 4th festivities and parade on Saturday. Meteor showers can be spectacular or ho-hum depending on the time one is looking. The best one I've seen was one night in Price, Utah, when I took the dogs out for their last nightly outing. The meteors could be seen every few seconds. We stopped shaking hands for the most part years ago because of the noro virus. It amazes me how many medical personnel want to shake hands now. While I have a FB account, I very, very rarely post, CC and the Daily are my social media of choice. A very interesting quote by an interesting man. We'll pass on the meal. A classic Mojito is one of my favorite drinks, even if on the Prinsendam, Linda Minkin made fun of them every time she saw me drinking one. The wine sounds like one I want to try. We have not been to Port Lincoln, Australia. @rafinmd 🚢 BON VOYAGE, ROY! 🎉 Safe travels and have a great cruise. @kazu Jacqui, your flowers are lovely. @cat shepard Ann, I looved the meme. @Crazy For Cats It sounds like you have a busy sea day planned. @aliaschief When packing think layers. @marshhawk Ann, I'm happy you found us and joined our family. I hope the oncologist will schedule the nerve block for your DH soon, and that it will relieve the pain. Lenda

Musicology was the one dance show we walked out of twice. We made it through the other three shows, but we still wish they replace the dance company with singers and dancers.

Good evening. The shopping expedition was fairly successful since I found most ot the important items on my list. @kazu Jacqui, I'm glad you and your luggage made it home. Hope you get a good night's rest. @1ANGELCAT I'm very sorry that Jaguar has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I hope your memories of the time you had together are a comfort to you. @TiogaCruiser Thank you for your pictures from the north rim. @JazzyV Vanessa, that's good news the infection is down, but I'm sorry you are still having problems with your legs. @Mr. Boston Safe travels. Hope you have a nice visit with your friends and have a great cruise. @Seasick Sailor I'm glad Ron's surgery went well. Wishing him a speedy recovery. @rafinmd Roy, congratulations on the negative test. @marshhawk I hope you feel better tomorrow. Lenda

Debbie, the lumpia in the pictures looks good. The recipe DH's SIL gave me uses ground beef and cole slaw in the filling and wonton wrappers. The lumpia is deep fried, and her version was usually the main course. Lenda

The last time we were there, we took the ho-ho trolley and saw places outside of town. It stopped at a farmers market which was interesting.

A very early good morning morning from central Texas. Unless there is a surprise, I will be heading to Waco to do some much needed shopping while our temperatures are still in double digits. Our highs have been in the 90sF, but warmer than predicted. I'm going to try to leave early so I can get home before the hotest part of the afteernoon. I use the camera on my phone some, but when we're on a cruise, I usually use my small camera. It has a wrist strap that tightens which lessens the danger of dropping it (especilly over the rail and into the ocean) and it fits in my pocket. Hugs are great. I'll celebrate mud if it's from much needed rain, and we have a slight chance of rain on Friday. The quote is interesting, but I'm not quite sure what to make of it. DH's SIL is Filipeno and has made lumpia for the family. I made her recipe a few times, but it makes too much for the two of us. We wlso had lumpia from one of the food carts on the pier in Juneau, and enjoyed it. We'll pass on the drink and the wine. Although we've been to many ports in Norway, today's port is not one of them. @kazu Jacqui, I hope you and your suitcase get home at a decent time and you can get some rest tonight. Lenda