irishjim

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  A chill in the air this morning again with 58F and 100% humidity.  The weather forecast for the next 10 days is sunshine with highs in the 80's and low 90's with cool overnight temps.  Not too shabby!  Thanks to Graham @grapau27for posting Father David's sermon for us.  And another thanks to Rich @richwmnfor the Daily and Fleet Report.  Good for Volendam docked in Malaga today.  Everyone must be thrilled to be somewhere different.  Wonderful set of days to celebrate.  I'd love a cheeseburger for lunch or dinner today but chef DH has other plans I think.  Women's friendship day and wife appreciation are worthy causes for all our ladies.  The recipes and photos of stuffed shells looks soooo good Debbie @dfish.  I think you are very smart to get all the little repairs done now before the inspector shows up.  I agree with handyman Dan that inspectors try to find something/anything to put on the report to show they are worth their fee.  Welcome home Ann @cat shepardand Linda @lindaler.  We're waiting patiently to hear about your cruises!

 

Thanks to Roy @rafinmdfor our Care and Celebration lists.  Prayers said for all on the list, neighbor Linda, and those family and friends we've lost recently.  Also for the people of the British Commonwealth for the passing of the Queen.  The whole world will miss her as she was loved by many.  Cheers to those on the "happy" list!  We're glad you have nice things happening in your lives.  Another cheer to Ren whose new team the Jaguars (up a step in soccer due to aging out) won their first game last evening.  Ren scored two goals.  My DS had to leave after the first goal to catch a flight to Amsterdam, then connected to his flight to Milan where he is attending an engineering conference and moderating a workshop tomorrow.  Hopefully he won't forget to enjoy Milan while there.  

 

As for our port today, Livorno, Italy it was last posted here on March 19, 2021.  I found it on Rich's posting activity on page 65 and here is a link for those who need to retrieve photos from back then.  There are many of us who have stopped there on our Mediterranean cruises because it's a popular starting point for nearby cities like Florence and Pisa.

 

 

According to my records we've been to Livorno 6 times.  We've of course traveled from Livorno to Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.  But one trip we took the shuttle into Livorno to see what it offered.  Not much!  One and done! 

 

I recall we took a tour of Cinque Terre once from Livorno, on the 2018 Prinsendam Grand Africa and Med cruise.  There's plenty to see when you visit Livorno so I hope you can all get there someday if you haven't already.  

 

Our tour went to three coastal villages in Cinque Terre - Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.  Part of our trip was to be by boat but seas were dangerous and we took a train from Manarola to Vernazza.  

 

Our route to the sea in Manarola.

 

 

 

Getting on the train in Manarola.

 

Here in Vernazza we had a similar experience.  In fact, I can't tell this street from the last one in Manarola.  

 

Eating outside in Vernazza.

 

Why we didn't take the boat!

 

 

On the train on our route to Monterosso.

 

And our view upon arrival.

 

It was a quite interesting town.  Their view of the sea was the best I think.  After a while we started looking for a spot to eat lunch.  

 

 

And wine...

 

Enjoy your next trip to Livorno!

Thank  for  posting these lovely photos.

                                                                      Jim.

5 hours ago, GTVCRUISER said:

Love  these  photos. Thanks.

3 hours ago, superoma said:

Just a quick check in, another busy day here. Yesterday I canned some hot pickled banana peppers. Today I need to prep the meal for our Wednesday gatherings and make a gluten free chocolate cake. One of our group is celebrating her 65th birthday today. Menu is maple glazed salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts and Caesar salad. Tomorrow I will be canning salsa. The garden has produced so many tomatoes that even giving many of them away we can’t keep up. 
 

prayers for those that need them and will hoist a drink in celebration later. Sadly, I think our Wednesday gatherings will soon stop around the pool (next door) and move inside as the evenings are getting quite cool and it costs a lot to heat the pool for one day a week. I see a pool closing in the near future. We have had a good run since early May, never rained out on a Wednesday. 
 

have a good day all.

Wishing  your   group member Happy Birthday and  many more.

                                                                                                               Jim.

5 hours ago, kazu said:

Thanks for our Monday Daily, Rich.

 

I’m going to try to start the week off right by posting but warning - it’s a long one. 😝 

 

I’ll happily celebrate the day of encouragement.  Many people need it.  Love today’s quote and chicken sounds like a good idea for dinner to go with all my other leftovers.

 

My sister and BIL came down for a visit for a couple of days so I decided to do Jose’s Celebration of Life while they were here and could help and share the memories.

 

Both of my sweet sisters gave me flowers for the occasion

 

 

 

I put them to good use on the two tables.

 

My sister & BIL were shocked when they arrived Saturday morning and saw I already had the tables set up.

 

For the buffet - each silverware setting was in a plastic bag and wrapped with a serviette for safety.

 

 

On the right had side of that pic are the jams for those that came

 

 

This table was for Jose’s tribute, dessert, tea and coffee

 

 

The pergola just needs the ice bucket and the liquor & red wine added.

 

 

And the glasses are all set up on the teak tables.  There were pictures of memories of Jose on all the umbrella stands & the back wall.

 

 

We had a very good turnout - about 38 people.  We really had more chairs than shown - a lot just like the pergola 😉 

 

 

 

And happily, several people spoke and shared their memories

 

 

And of course, there was food!  Endless appetizers - my sister & I were like a well oiled machine (except for the delay in the paella heating up)

 

 

 

 

 

And lots of food for the meal.

 

 

Tons of dessert - my friend and her daughter made the 2 lovely cakes and I had help from a dear friend with more dessert.

 

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy and thought it was well done.  My sister said it was the best Celebration of Life she has been to.  I’m pretty sure she’s prejudiced though 😉 

but I did the best I could.

 

Prayers for everyone on the Care list & for those that need them and 🥂 to those on the Celebratory / Shout Out list.

 

Have a great Monday everyone!

You should  of  all be  very  proud as I   am sure Jose was

looking down  from  Heaven  and I agree with your Sister.

                                                                                                  Jim.

5 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

Good morning.  Thanks for the Fleet and Daily Report.

 

It's still dark.  I couldn't sleep.  We've got a chance of rain today.

It's my mum's 85th birthday.  We spent yesterday afternoon with her.  Had some prosecco and cake.  We had take out Chinese food for supper.  Bertie chased the squirrels from her yard.  It was a nice time together.

 

I haven't had a milk shake in years, thanks for the suggestion.  I don't play many video games.  I encourage everyone to have a wonderful day

Love the quote.

I love roast chicken especially with mashed potatoes and gravy.  Yum.  

I hope the drink is tasty.  Not sure about a wine with "vulture" in the name.

 

Prayers for everyone.

Stay safe.

 

Wishing your Mum very  Happy Birthday and  many more.

                                                                                                      Jim.

Just now, irishjim said:

My Wife went and I  went     to  Brest on a cruise and it  was a Sunday and everything  was closed really   saw  nothing that  day.  We really hate hate docking

in  ports  on Sundays.   Love your  photos.  

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good morning from a clear, windy central Texas.  September 11, 2001, is a day we should not forget.  We should add our own @cruising singleand her late DH to the list of those we honor for their work at the site in the aftermath of 9/11.  They both did and are dealing with the consequences of their time helping others.

 

First responders, who risk their lives for us, deserve to be honored everyday, along with libraries who help us remember.  I also honor the three grandparents who I knew growing up.  They were always there for me when I needed them.

 

I also was puzzled by today's quote.

 

The "meal" looks good and refreshing.  We'll pass on the drink, but the wine sounds nice.

 

@Vict0riann  Fingers crossed 🤞 the ferry runs today and BON VOYAGE!  I know you will have a wonderful cruise.

@lindaler  Linda, wishing you a safe and worry free flight and a wonderful time on the Westerdam.  BON VOYAGE!

@marshhawk  Annie, safe travels today to you and Chuck.  BON VOYAGE! tomorrow for the start of a great cruise.  Thanks for sharing your 9/11 story.

@dfish  Debbie, I can't imagine how hard it was to answer the student's questions when you had no answers.  Good luck with the cleaning and leak repair.

 

This is what I shared on October 7, 2001, about our two visits to Brest.

 

The Prinsendam took us to Brest in 2011 and 2017.  The first time was on a Sunday, and almost everything was closed.  After looking at the town center until the shuttle returned, we stopped at the waterfront and then took the shuttle to an old fort that is now a maritime museum.  In 2017, once in town, we road the tram to both ends, and took the gondola across the Penfeld River and back.

 

Pictures of Brest

 

The waterfront area.  The restaurant caught our eye because of the name, but we did not go in.

 

The maritime museum

 

Views from the museum

 

The gondola and views from the ride

 

The Pont de Recouvrance from the gondola

 

Lenda

 

My Wife went  to  Brest on a cruise and it  was a Sunday and everything  was closed really   saw  nothing that  day.  We really hate hate docking

in  ports  on Sundays.   Love your  photos.  

  Great      food  photos.Please tell me  what kind  of  food as I would love

to know. thank you  for  posting them.

                                                                  Jim.

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

          🎉 🎊 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

               ANN AND CHUCK  🌹 💞

+1

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Prayers for her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 2.

 

Roy

+1

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

🎊 🌹 HAPPY 53rd ANNIVERSARY,

         SANDI AND DENNIS! 🥂 🍾

+1

3 hours ago, grapau27 said:

@Sharon in AZ.

Happy 93rd birthday to your lovely mam.

G&Pxx.

 

+1

5 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Good morning. 

Asking for prayers for Allen. While at the VA Friday he suffered a TIA. After a critical care doctor checked him over we were sent to the Texas University Seton ER downtown Austin by ambulance for lots tests, MRI, bloodwork. Spent the night, released yesterday afternoon. Need additional tests on Tuesday here at our clinic. Echocardiogram and additional tests. He has had 2 serious strokes over the past 9 years so we need to be extra vigilant. Thanks for prayers.

 

Sending  prayers  for Allen.

                                                  Jim.

Just now, irishjim said:

May  he rest in peace. Prayers for him  and  his  loved  ones.

                                                                                                   Jim.

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

A sad day in Baltimore today.  Captain Anthony Workman died today as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on his way to work.  It can be considered a line of duty death.

 

Roy

May  he rest in peace. Prayers for  and  his  loved  ones.

                                                                                                   Jim.

7 hours ago, superoma said:

@Quartzsite Cruiserhappy anniversary. Hope you have a great day.

 

+1

7 hours ago, richwmn said:

Roy posted earlier

I

'm going to try to get my car in early for service today so here's a preview of my TGIF lists.

 

Today’s care list:

Cruisin Terri hurting
Sandi’s neighbors David (RIP) and Linda in critical condition
HAL Sailer Sister in Law recovering from cancer surgery
Tana with persistent problems although somewhat better
Fluff healing from surgery
ger_77 with loss of taste
The locks at Ijmuiden(Rotterdam diverted to at least 9/11)
From the rotation:
Heartgrove brother discharged but in hospice care
Atrex6 Father severely declining
Strength and healing (physical and emotional) for Kazu
Cruising-along niece awaiting a kidney

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Happy Anniversary Crabby Pattil
indaler’s son settled in new house
Volendam caring for refugees
Tana’s spunk
Quartzite cruiser making progress on medical appointments
Norseh20 finding DM great assisted living facility
3 days for Oceansaway17 (Quantum OTS 8/29 to 9/5)
2 days for Vax1700 (Rotterdam 8/28 to 9/11)
2 days for Kochleffel (Voyager OTS 8/28 to 9/3)
1 day for luvteaching (Crown Princess to 9/3, Eurodam to 9/10)
Mtn2sea and kplady (Nieuw Statendam  to 8/27), Aliaschief (Rotterdam to 8/28),   Av8rix (Zuiderdam  to 8/31) and Gail&Marty (Rotterdam to 10/15) at sea
Staff Captain Sabine - Our first female Staff Captain and HAL’s likely first female Captain(I know this is a repeat but she’s worth it)

Roy

 

Roy just to  let  you  know I had  surgery on my  temple right side

and also on  my cheek  below  my  right eye for 2  cancer  spots

on the  15th and  just had a phone call from  my  surgeon to give  me  the  results , everything  is clear  and  good to  go.

I will celebrate with with some wine tonight. YAY  for  the  great  news.

                                                                                                          Jim.

4 hours ago, kazu said:

 

I am so sorry to hear this Sandi. 😔 My prayers for David & Linda 🙏🏻 

 

 

Thanks.  My wrist is nearly completely healed now.  probably because i wasn’t picking up heavy objects and dogs 😉 

 

 

Oh I am so sorry to hear this 😔. So sad dying alone and not being missed all that time 😢 .  Prayers for him 🙏🏻 

+1

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Thanks Roy @rafinmdfor the Kobe photos.  Sad news about the earthquake.

 

Unfortunately I just got some sad news here, too.  A neighborhood email went around a short time ago telling us some news about our neighbors.  They live across the street and down one house from us.  They were involved in a single car accident just north of Knoxville on their way to Detroit.  This is the same route we take to visit our kids and just did that a couple weeks ago.  David was driving and ran off the road and died at the scene. Linda is in critical condition in a Knoxville hospital.  No mention of their dog which they adopted last winter.  I am so sad for them.  Even though they kept to themselves a lot (like we do), you get used to seeing them coming and going.  David always went right out to the mailbox whenever the mail truck went by.  Always anxious to get his mail.  I'll be praying for dear Linda that she recovers fully and quickly returns home.  You never know what the day will bring.

So sad news, .

all  of  my  prayers  them and  family.

                                                               Jim.

1 minute ago, irishjim said:

Normal about  24  hrs sometimes 48 hrs.

2 minutes ago, 4966and556 said:

I'm not 100% sure of what you mean.   They cruise continually unless they are in dry dock for maintenance  as far as I know.

Normal about  24  hrs sometimes 4hrs.

32 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

A beautiful serene evening sailing out of the fjords of Oslo is why we love cruising. With the Pilot Boat arriving we also had a Norwegian Coast Guard helicopter maneuvering for an emergency evacuation of one our guest.

Another example why we get evacuation insurance.

Prayer for our fellow guest.

 

 

Very nice  photos.

                               Jim.

4 hours ago, cat shepard said:

@Vict0riann

 

Happy Birthday Ann! May your new year be filled with laughter, love, great health & cruises!

 

+1

49 minutes ago, kb4683 said:

@superoma  Happy Birthday to your DH.

+1

1 hour ago, ger_77 said:

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily! I don't remember the last time I had spumoni ice cream - I always liked the little fruit bits.  Although I became a senior citizen a couple of years ago, I've never felt like one; I think I'm mentally stuck around 45.  Today's quote is so true - after having a good hard laugh, taking a deep breath is like cleansing your soul and feels so good.

 

Yesterday was a hard day for us - we received a phone call that our dear friend and cruising buddy Melodie had passed away.  She and her husband had joined us on numerous cruises over the past 15 years until her travel days were curtailed by Parkinson's disease.  She has been in a care home for the past 2 years, but had gone into a rapid decline this past week and passed away in her sleep.  It's so sad because she was such a lovely person inside and out who never had a bad thing to say about anyone.  Why is it always the nice ones who go; why can't it be the terrible ones?  Her husband (who also plays in DH's band) is coming over this morning so we can talk about her service and what our roles will possibly be.  

 

Although we still aren't into much food, we do like stuffed peppers - substituting bell peppers for the poblanos.  Last night we had another food delivery of the most amazing giant shrimp in a tomato sauce, courtesy Sophia's husband - another wonderful cook.  Each of us had 1 shrimp and a spoonful of rice and that was all we could manage, but it was delicious.

 

Keeping everyone in my prayers today, stay healthy everyone.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

May  she  rest  in  peace.